USA Projects

Debra Dysart joins the staff of United States Artists as Director of Development Operations after fifteen years in nonprofit development in the arts and higher education. Previously, Ms. Dysart headed up prospect research and management in her role as Director of Development Research at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Her work in the museum world was preceded by eight years at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she applied her fundraising expertise in both the domestic and international marketplaces. Ms. Dysart served a three-year term on the board of directors of the California Advancement Researchers Association (CARA) as Mentor Chair. She has presented sessions on prospect research at conferences hosted by CARA, the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, the Western Museums Association, and the California Association of Museums. Ms. Dysart's nonprofit work followed a ten-year career in the corporate sector in administrative management with Xerox Corporation. Born and raised in New Jersey, Ms. Dysart enjoys life in Los Angeles with her husband, Malcolm.

I've been involved in nonprofit arts development for 10 years, the past 5 years with USA. Outside of the office, I co-facilitate an ongoing contemplative writing workshop that is a playful exploration of meditation and writing. I also sing with the Verdi Chorus and serve as Secretary on their Board of Directors. (See links for more info.)