The Jacksonville History Center announces the appointment of Maureen Towers Natkin as Chief Development Officer, as of December 10, 2024. This newly created role was made possible by a generous grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and an anonymous donor.
“For the first time in its 95 years of existence, the Jacksonville History Center’s fundraising will be led by a professional. That reflects our ambitious work already underway, and the scope of our plans to meet the public history needs of all of Jacksonville’s people in the years to come,” said Alan J. Bliss, CEO, Jacksonville History Center.
Natkin, an Avondale resident, most recently served as Development & Engagement Director for Ability Housing and was previously employed by the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville as Chief Operating Officer and Philanthropic Director. Before moving to Jacksonville in 2022, Natkin served as Vice President of Development for Westhab, Inc. in Yonkers, New York. She holds an M.A. in International Economics and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and a B.A. in Russian Area Studies from Dartmouth College.
“I’m excited to join the Jacksonville History Center and help support its important work of preserving and sharing Jacksonville’s history,” said Natkin. “I look forward to working with the team to build strong relationships that ensure the center continues to thrive and grow.”
Natkin brings nearly 14 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the organization that began as the Jacksonville Historical Society on May 3, 1929, and was primarily composed of volunteers for its first 60 years. Natkin joins eight other staff members who manage tens of thousands of documents, photographs, negatives, memorabilia, and artifacts, while also planning educational programs, historic venue tours and events, and maintaining four historic properties.
Kate Hallock, Chief of Staff | Communications Director