A transition is underway at the MMFA Foundation
Jo-Anne Hudon Duchesne & Danielle Champagne. Photo : MMFA, Jean-François Brière.
Management of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) and the Board of Trustees of its Foundation are delighted to announce the promotion, as of next July 1, of Jo-Anne Hudon Duchesne to the position of Director General of the MMFA Foundation. Ms. Hudon Duchesne will take over from Danielle Champagne in managing all the fundraising activities overseen by the Foundation. During the next few months, the two directors will continue to work together closely to ensure a seamless transition of the position’s many responsibilities in order to achieve all the institution’s philanthropic goals.
A nurse by training, Jo-Anne Hudon Duchesne worked as a mental health specialist for over ten years. She entered the philanthropic field in 2006, first at the CHUM Foundation and then at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, serving there as Director of Fundraising, before joining the MMFA Foundation, where she has held the position of Director of Operations since 2017. A forward-thinking cultural enthusiast, Jo-Anne has also been a member of the Société des arts technologiques’ board of directors since October 2020.
Stéphane Aquin, Director of the MMFA, points out: “With the conscientiousness and generosity we all know her for, Jo-Anne has greatly contributed to the growth of both the Foundation and its revenues, as well as developed close relationships with a number of donors and partners, whose support during the coming years will be extremely valuable. Her wide-ranging professional experience, great human qualities and commitment to the Museum convinced the members of the Foundation’s board, as well as us in Museum management, to confirm her appointment to this new position. She has our full confidence and we wish her the greatest succes.”
After having been Director of Communications at the MMFA from 2001 to 2013, Danielle Champagne made the leap to philanthropy in 2013, becoming Director General of the MMFA Foundation. In the nine years under her leadership, the revenues generated by the Foundation have increased remarkably, significantly helping to fund Museum operations.
Sylvie Demers, President of the Board of Trustees of the MMFA Foundation, notes, “What Danielle has contributed during her years at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Foundation goes far beyond dedication and hard work. She has given all those whom she has been associated with a stellar example of loyalty, work ethics and long-term commitment. Speaking personally, I have greatly appreciated our close collaboration. I commend her for an outstanding career and wish her all the best for the future.”
The MMFA team would also like to recognize the exceptional work of Danielle Champagne, a person held in high regard by everyone. Her innovative vision and great capacity for development have enabled the MMFA to broaden its public and increase its fundraising objectives. Danielle will be stepping down from her position on June 30, 2022.
