The State Theatre Center for the Arts has announced the appointment of Selena Lavonier as Vice President of Development.

Lavonier has nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she was part of a team that created high-caliber events. She then joined MasterVoices, where she worked with the Board of Trustees, donors, grantors and sponsors to bring performances to Carnegie Hall.

Most recently, Lavonier worked at the ArtsQuest Foundation and ArtsQuest, with its Board of Trustees to create a strategic plan, built a legacy donor society for principal gifts, increase planned giving efforts and raise millions of dollars for its endowments. She led a team responsible for leadership giving, membership, annual appeals, grant administration and data analytics and worked with community members to secure leadership gifts for the capital campaign.

Lavonier will lead the State Theatre’s development initiatives, including fundraising, donor engagement and community partnerships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Selena Lavonier to the State Theatre,” said Shelley Brown, President & CEO. “Her extraordinary achievements, coupled with her passion for our community, make her the perfect person to guide us into our 99th season and beyond. Selena’s energy and vision will ensure the arts not only survive, but thrive, right here in Easton.”

“I’ve always believed in the power of the arts to bring people together,” Lavonier said. “The State Theatre is rich in cultural and historical significance, and through its mission provides impactful experiences for our community. I’m honored to join this legacy and help shape its future.”

Lavonier received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre and Music, Cum Laude, from Muhlenberg College, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Opera, Magna Cum Laude, from Boston Conservatory. She received a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Certification from the American College of Financial Services.