Catherine Bays

Catherine Bays joined the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in 2022 as the Director of Development with an extensive 20-year background in philanthropy. Bays holds a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation and was invited to serve on the distinguished CFRE International Board. She also recently earned her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation.

Her love of the arts began with her classical ballet training, and she danced professionally with several ballet companies. Since then, she has continued supporting the arts and has found her passion fuses easily with her skills in non-profit management and fundraising.

Throughout her career, she has gained both regional and national experience in capital campaign leadership, strategic planning, and relationship building. Her prior professional experiences include her work at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Museum of Discovery.

Bays serves as an advisor for arts and dance organizations with missions that align with creative, equitable learning opportunities for youth.