The Bascom Welcomes Jamie Raynor as Director of Development
Highlands, NC – February 25, 2025 – The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is delighted to announce Jamie Raynor as its new Director of Development. With over 22 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education leadership, Raynor brings an outstanding record of building relationships and driving philanthropic success.
Billy Love, Interim Executive Director of The Bascom, shared his enthusiasm for Raynor’s arrival:
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamie Raynor to The Bascom team. Her proven leadership in development and passion for the transformative power of the arts make her the ideal fit for this role. We are confident she will provide effective leadership in development and serve as a strong advocate for The Bascom within the philanthropic community as we work together to realize The Bascom’s mission.”
Raynor served Western Carolina University (WCU) for over nine years, most recently as Vice Chancellor for Advancement from 2019 to 2024. In this role, she oversaw the Division of Advancement, including Advancement Services, Engagement, and Development, while implementing campaign strategies that shattered expectations. In her leadership role, the WCU Foundation surpassed its initial $75 million campaign goal several years early and achieved a record-breaking $35.8 million in donor support in fiscal year 2024. Raynor’s expertise includes cultivating transformational gifts, contributing to institutional growth through strategic planning, building successful teams, and working alongside passionate volunteers. Her commitment to fostering meaningful connections extends into her volunteer work with organizations like Summit Charter School and the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau.
Reflecting on her new role, Raynor shared:
“I am honored to join this talented team dedicated to expanding arts accessibility and fostering meaningful community initiatives in our region. The Bascom’s mission to make the arts accessible to all is truly inspiring. Whether you consider yourself an artist, art supporter, or art enthusiast, art has the extraordinary power to bring communities closer together and transform lives. There is a place for everyone here at The Bascom, and I feel fortunate to support this vital work every day.”
Raynor holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina-Aiken and a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina.
Raynor’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment as The Bascom celebrates its 40th anniversary. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the Creative Community Initiative, which emphasizes accessibility, community outreach, and artist development. Each year, The Bascom welcomes over 20,000 visitors to its free exhibitions and educational programming, offering workshops, classes, and a variety of opportunities to support artists. Raynor’s innovative philanthropic leadership will ensure the continued growth and sustainability of these transformative programs.
About The Bascom
The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing. Celebrating 40 years as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina, The Bascom continues to serve as a catalyst for creativity, learning, and community connection.
Media Contact:
Bianca Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
828.526.4949
