The Chrysler Museum Announces Two New Philanthropy Department Team Members

NORFOLK, Va. (February 24, 2026) – The Chrysler Museum of Art is pleased to announce its newest members of the Museum’s philanthropy department. Lisa Domingo Sands, who brings over three decades of development and fundraising experience from across the Commonwealth, comes aboard as senior development officer. Walter Gray, who brings extensive experience working with corporate partners in the nonprofit arena, will serve as corporate engagement manager.

“I am thrilled to welcome Lisa and Walter to the philanthropy team,” said Reneé Duval Fairchild, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Chrysler Museum of Art. “Their leadership and commitment to building meaningful partnerships will continue to advance our mission and expand the Chrysler Museum’s philanthropic impact in the community.”

Sands, a Virginia native and long-time Suffolk resident, who grew up in New York and is a proud alumna of Christopher Newport University, served as the statewide director of development at Virginia Opera Company for the last 15 years where she managed a portfolio of more than 200 donors at the $2,500 and above giving level, including $1.5 million in major gifts each season. Previously, she served as the executive director for Bon Secours Maryview Foundation for more than eight years and has held leadership positions at the United Way of South Hampton Roads, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Sentara Health Foundation. Also, Sands was a founding board member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Hampton Roads Chapter.

At the Museum, Sands will be responsible for overseeing the individual Major Gift Program where she will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward leadership gifts from individuals. Her primary duties will be to build relationships with prospects who have the capacity and affinity to contribute a major or planned gift to the Museum. In this role, she will manage the Masterpiece Society (MPS) and act as the liaison for the MPS Steering Committee on behalf of the Museum.

Walter Gray, a native of Anchorage, AK, who grew up in Europe and the U.S. and now resides in Norfolk, joins the Museum from his most recent role with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, where he worked and collaborated with corporate partners and employee engagement volunteerism.

Gray will be responsible for overseeing the Corporate Leadership Alliance (CLA) as well as the Contemporary Art Initiative (CAI). In this role, he will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward leadership gifts from corporations while strategizing with the team to create a new level of supporter through the CAI. The main function of this position is to build relationships with corporate prospects who have the capacity and affinity to contribute membership, sponsorship or a major gift to the Chrysler Museum of Art. This role will manage the CLA Sub-committee and act as the liaison for the CAI Steering Committee on behalf of the Museum.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART
The Chrysler Museum of Art welcomes you to connect with art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Internationally recognized for its collection of more than 35,000 objects, including one of the largest glass collections in America, the Museum also includes free admission, the state-of-the-art Perry Glass Studio, a full-service restaurant, shop, theater, works on paper space, and oversees the historic Myers House. The Museum boasts an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, events, and programs, and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusion through its innovative gallery host program. For more information, visit chrysler.org. Follow on social media @ChryslerMuseum to receive the latest updates.

####

For more information or interview assistance, please contact Tanya Kaish Keller, Public Relations Advisor. 757-618-3655 | mejanepr@gmail.com

High-resolution images and credits are available. Permission and credit are required for the use of all images, print or digital. Cropping may not be permitted on some images; see caption sheet if applicable.