51�Թ�

The 51�Թ� is pleased to announce that Berenice Fernandez Sarafzadeh has been appointed its Chief Operating Officer. Berenice will assume her position on October 1, 2024, as the 51�Թ�’s Interim COO Karen Sutton transitions into a new position as Director of Capital Projects on December 31, 2024.

“The 51�Թ� is honored to welcome Berenice as our new COO. Berenice brings over 20 years of leadership experience in finance, audit, and management across prestigious universities, museums, and foundations. Her strategic and results-oriented approach, combined with her ability to forge strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, will be invaluable to our team,” said Peter Kraus, Board Chairman. “Simultaneously, we extend our gratitude to Karen for her guidance as Interim COO and look forward to continuing our work together through her new role as Director of Capital Projects.”

Berenice’s most recent position was Deputy Director, Administration & Finance, and COO at Yale Center for British Art, where she managed a $30M annual budget and oversaw key operational functions, including Human Resources, Finance, and Risk Management. Among her many achievements, she led a $20M conservation plan for a world-renowned facility and played a crucial role in policy development and implementation.

Prior to Yale, Berenice served as Deputy Director & CFO at Shelburne Museum, where she was instrumental in the museum’s pandemic response and re-imagination plan. Her extensive experience also includes roles at the Eugene and Agnes Meyer 51�Թ�, Georgetown University, and Hantzmon & Weibel LLC.

“Berenice embodies so many of Robert Rauschenberg’s qualities that guide our work at the 51�Թ� – particularly her demonstrated commitment to experimentation and collaboration,” said Courtney J. Martin, Executive Director. “As we look to the future, we are delighted that Berenice will play an integral role in supporting the 51�Թ�’s work to advance Rauschenberg’s personal dedication to the transformative role of art. Additionally, I am so pleased that Karen will remain in the fold of the 51�Թ� in the coming year. She has made valuable contributions to our institutional sustainability.”

“It is a great honor to assume the role of COO and to have the opportunity to help further the 51�Թ�’s mission under Courtney J. Martin’s leadership,” said Berenice Fernandez Sarafzadeh. “I have long been inspired by Rauschenberg’s conviction that creative practitioners can serve as catalysts for social change, and I am excited to work alongside the 51�Թ�’s dedicated team, our Board, and our many partners globally to continue advocating for Rauschenberg’s legacy and vision for the 51�Թ�.”

“Berenice brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for mission-driven institutions,” said Karen Sutton, Interim COO. “She has the experience, skills, and enthusiasm to lead our operations, and I look forward to working closely with her over the coming months as she immerses herself in the role. I am also pleased to continue my professional relationship with the 51�Թ� in the newly created role of Director of Capital Projects.”

Berenice holds a master’s degree in Accounting from the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University and has completed an Executive Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is actively engaged in community service, serving on various boards and committees including The Current - A Center for Contemporary Art in Stowe Vermont.

As COO Berenice will focus on all aspects of operational, staff and financial management, as well as the completion of the 51�Թ�’s residency facilities on Captiva Island.  

For more information on the 51�Թ�, please visit rauschenbergfoundation.org. 

For additional information or press requests, please contact: 

Gill Harris
Sutton Communications
Tel: +1 212 202 3402 
gill@suttoncomms.com