Homer Babbitt joins Chrysler as Assistant Director of Development

NORFOLK, Va. – (October 2013) – Homer Babbitt has joined the Chrysler Museum of Art as assistant director of development. He will be responsible for donor cultivation, planned giving and strengthening Museum membership at all levels.

Babbitt comes to the Chrysler with a firm foundation in nonprofit development work in Hampton Roads. He previously headed major gifts development at Norfolk-based Physicians for Peace. Babbitt also served for five years at WHRO in donor cultivation, focusing on major gifts and stewardship, following a decade of employment at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Raised in Chesapeake, Babbitt received a bachelor of arts degree from Virginia Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in history from Old Dominion University.

“We are extremely pleased Homer joined the department,” said Brian Wells, director of development. “He brings tremendous experience and talent to our development team, and we look forward to his success in expanding the membership base, especially with the Museum’s Grand Opening in April 2014 after this major expansion and renovation.”

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums with a world-class collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America, and a new Glass Studio. The Museum campus is located at One Memorial Place in Norfolk.  The Chrysler Museum is closed during 2013 for a major expansion, but the Museum has organized off-site exhibitions throughout the region. The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio and its two historic houses are open. The Glass Studio, located at 745 Duke St., Norfolk, is open Wednesday to Sunday with free glass demonstrations at noon. The Willoughby-Baylor House, 601 E. Freemason St., and the Moses Myers House, 323 E. Freemason St., Norfolk are open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free at these venues.

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