Peter T. Wilderotter

Deputy Director, Philanthropy and External Relations

Peter Wilderotter serves as Deputy Director of Philanthropy and External Relations, leading the Museum’s strategic fundraising and communications plans to grow philanthropic and earned revenue. Wilderotter is deeply involved in the engagement, identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major and transformational donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, including sponsorship and gala activities.

An expert in advancing an organization’s mission, Wilderotter has been a force for change for four decades, raising over $1 billion throughout his career. He comes to the Museum after serving as president & CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation since 2006, expanding research and investment programs.

Wilderotter started his career at the American Cancer Society, then as vice president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. As director of development and public relations at the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund, he spearheaded a historic endowment campaign. At WNYC Radio, he served as vice president of development, restructuring membership and doubling the station’s revenue.

Wilderotter is a founding member of the Rattlestick Theatre Company in New York and has served as chairman of the Board of America’s Charities, on the Government Relations Committee of the Independent Sector, and as advisor to The Biophilic Institute in Serenbe, Georgia. Wilderotter is also secretary of the board and chair of the Governance Committee of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, his alma mater. He is a devoted father of four.