Karen Putnam named Radcliffe’s associate dean for advancement

Karen Putnam has been appointed associate dean for advancement at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Putnam’s position became effective on Sept. 15.

Putnam has had a distinguished career in fundraising, beginning with service in Harvard’s Development Office, where her primary responsibility was the Fogg Art Museum. She went on to hold fundraising positions at Bryn Mawr College, the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, and the Brooklyn Museum, where she was director of development.

In 1993, Putnam became vice president for development, marketing, and public relations of the Central Park Conservancy and, in 1995, became president and CEO of the conservancy. Most recently, she worked at the Bessemer Trust in New York City, advising clients about philanthropy and wealth management. Putnam holds an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College and a doctorate in American Studies from Yale University.

“I’m delighted that Karen Putnam has joined our leadership team and look forward to working with her,” said Radcliffe Institute Dean Barbara J. Grosz. “She brings a stellar background in academic fundraising and arts and civic organizations that will serve the Radcliffe Institute well.”