Deema Salem Syed

I am a nonprofit fundraising and development professional dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and public spaces through meaningful philanthropy and donor engagement.

I currently serve as Senior Director of Individual Giving at Central Park Conservancy, where I lead major gift and individual giving strategies that support the stewardship, programming, and preservation of one of the world’s most iconic urban parks. My work focuses on building long-term relationships with donors, developing strategic fundraising initiatives, and expanding philanthropic support for public spaces.

Previously, I held several development roles at the Conservancy, including Director of Major Gifts and Senior Major Gifts Officer, where I worked closely with high-level donors to advance key initiatives and fundraising goals.

Before joining the Conservancy, I spent several years at Brooklyn Academy of Music, managing leadership giving and patron programs that strengthened engagement with supporters of the performing arts. Earlier in my career, I served as Development Manager at Roundabout Theatre Company and contributed to community arts outreach through the Mobile Shakespeare Unit at The Public Theater.

I hold a BFA from New York University and an MFA from Pace University, and I have also completed the Urban Park Management Certificate at CUNY School of Professional Studies.

My work is driven by a passion for connecting people with cultural institutions and public spaces through philanthropy, community engagement, and strategic leadership.