Morikami Names New Appointment

Roberta Kjelgaard

(Press Release) ​DELRAY BEACH, FL – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is pleased to announce the appointment of Roberta Kjelgaard as its new Institutional Advancement Director. A seasoned arts and culture leader with more than two decades of development experience, Kjelgaard brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and deep commitment to cultural institutions.
 
As Institutional Advancement Director, Kjelgaard will lead philanthropy and fundraising efforts to support Morikami’s mission, operations, and growth. Her responsibilities will include the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies focusing on individual, corporate, and grant-based support. Her role is vital in securing the financial resources necessary to expand the museum’s exhibitions, cultural programs, capital projects, and more.

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Kjelgaard joins Morikami from the Boca Raton Museum of Art, where she served as Director of Development from 2014 to 2025. There, her leadership encompassed all areas of fundraising, including major gifts, grants, membership, sponsorships, and special events.
 
The Delray Beach resident’s previous roles include development leadership positions at the Neuberger Museum of Art at SUNY Purchase, the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale at Nova Southeastern University, and the Miami Light Project. Early in her career, Kjelgaard also served as Assistant Dean of the Dance Division at New World School of the Arts at Miami-Dade College.
 
“I am deeply honored to begin my new role at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens,” said Kjelgaard. “As the daughter of a globe-trotting agricultural engineer and a garden enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to places where cultures bridge and enrich one another and nature restores. Morikami embodies both beautifully and holds a singular place in South Florida’s cultural landscape.”
 
Kjelgaard holds a Master of Arts in Dance from Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts in General Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. When she’s not working, Kjelgaard enjoys exploring South Florida’s vibrant cultural scene and natural beauty with family and friends.
 
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.