The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announced the appointment of Rachel Oesterle as its new Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer.
In this position, Oesterle will set and oversee strategy to secure vital philanthropic support for the Foundation and the achievement of its mission: to preserve Wright’s two homes, Taliesin and Taliesin West, for future generations and inspire society through an understanding and experience of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideas, architecture, and design.
Oesterle will serve as the Foundation’s principal philanthropy officer, lead the development on a set of critical national relationships, build a sustainable community engagement and fund development infrastructure for operational and capital support and work closely with leadership to steward and continue building the organization’s National Board of Directors.
“The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is confident that Rachel is the right choice to help us convey the full impact of our work,” said Foundation President & CEO Stuart Graff. “She knows how to rally support around causes that make a difference. I am thrilled she is bringing her proven track record of success to the Foundation.”
She brings more than 30 years’ experience in helping non-profit organizations reach their potential for good through organizational assessment, strategic planning, infrastructure development for programming, fund development, and collaborative initiatives and partnerships. Prior to joining the Foundation, Oesterle successfully created the infrastructure for and completed the Franciscan Renewal Center Renewing Lives Campaign, a multi-faceted fund development and community engagement program encompassing operational and endowment philanthropic support and a $22+ million capital program. Her history includes serving as the Executive Director of Aid to Adoption of Special Kids for fifteen years, and leading capital and strategic initiatives efforts for a variety of human service organizations including Mission of Mercy Mobile Medical Clinics, Sojourner Center and the Child Crisis Center, through her consultancy practice.
“I have always been passionate about working with non-profit organizations,” said Oesterle. “Frank Lloyd Wright’s work is immensely important and relevant. I am excited for this new challenge, to build support for the Foundation so that we can continue to sustain and build on the Wright legacy at Taliesin and Taliesin West.”
Oesterle’s experience encompasses an extensive history of board leadership. Her passion for causes surrounding children, health and social services is reflected in her volunteer experience with Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, Mission of Mercy, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, the Arizona Supreme Court State-Wide Foster Care Review Board, and Casa Franciscana Outreach, among others.
