Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced the appointment of Kate Brueggemann as Chief Development Officer.

In her new role, Brueggemann, who most recently served as Senior Vice President of Development at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, will oversee major gifts, annual giving, institutional support, planned giving, donor engagement and campaign initiatives, and will serve as a member of Lyric’s executive leadership team.

In her role at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Brueggemann led fundraising operations spanning major gifts, foundation and corporate partnerships, government grants and capital initiatives. Prior to that she held senior development roles at the Adler Planetarium, Missouri Botanical Garden and Missouri History Museum.

“Lyric is one of the world’s premier opera companies and one of Chicago’s great cultural treasures,” Brueggemann said, per an official press release. “I am honored to join this extraordinary organization and look forward to partnering with Lyric’s board, donors, volunteers, and staff to advance its mission and expand its service to audiences and communities across Chicago and beyond.”

A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Brueggemann holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri and is a co-author of “Fundraising Management in a Changing Museum World.”

Read Related Stories

• Lyric Opera of Chicago Receives Major Gift from The Negaunee Foundation

• Lyric Opera of Chicago & Music Institute of Chicago Announce New Partnership for 2026-27 Season