Shaun Newport
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
Shaun Newport (He/They) joined the American LGBTQ+ Museum in July 2025. He/They are focused and passionate about supporting progress in culture, social justice, and community.
Shaun grew up in London, received their BA (Hons) in American and English Literature from the University of East Anglia, and undertook training in cultural leadership with the National Theatre, Young Vic, and Royal Opera House, followed later by training in executive strategy at the University of Pennsylvania.
At the beginning of their career, Shaun was fortunate to take a leadership role as Festival Director for Pride in London. The experience had a seismic impact on their vision for how history, art, celebration, and human rights can be interwoven and inspire generations of supporters.
Since arriving in New York City in 2010 they have dedicated their time to supporting the exceptional work of artists and cultural practitioners who make the world a better place. This has been through their work as a communications and events professional and as a fundraising specialist for esteemed organizations including MacDowell and the Manhattan Theatre Club.
They live in the Bronx with their partner, Ilan Harris, a civics teacher at Humanities Prep, a public high school in NYC, and their children, Azoviyon and Rahutani. They are deeply involved in their local neighborhood as volunteers for community networks, events, and resource exchanges. As a family, they enjoy pursuing the many rich offerings for learning, expression, and material experience offered in their home city and around the world.