New Leadership for Newark Museum
The Newark Museum of Art has announced the appointment of Lisa Funderburke as its next president, chief executive, and director, marking an important moment of transition for New Jersey’s largest cultural institution. Her selection follows a national search and signals a continued commitment to innovation, community engagement, and inclusive leadership within the museum sector.
Funderburke will succeed Linda C. Harrison, who led the museum through a period of significant transformation and expansion. The leadership change comes as the Newark Museum of Art continues to define its role as both a global cultural institution and a deeply rooted civic space for the city of Newark and the surrounding region.
Prior to this appointment, Lisa Funderburke served as president and CEO of the Artist Communities Alliance, a national organization supporting artist residency programs and creative communities. During her tenure, she strengthened the organization’s infrastructure, expanded its reach, and emphasized equitable support for artists working across disciplines and geographies.
Funderburke brings a diverse professional background that spans arts administration, nonprofit leadership, and science-based education. She previously held senior leadership roles at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina, and led the Charlotte Museum of Nature, experiences that connect directly to the Newark Museum of Art’s interdisciplinary collections.
Her academic training further reflects this interdisciplinary approach. Funderburke holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology from Howard University, a foundation that aligns closely with the Newark Museum of Art’s long-standing integration of art, science, and natural history under one institutional roof.
The Newark Museum of Art is home to a vast and varied collection of more than 300,000 objects, including fine art, decorative arts, Tibetan and Native American works, and extensive science collections. Leading such an institution requires balancing stewardship of historic collections with the evolving expectations of contemporary audiences.
In statements following the announcement, Funderburke emphasized the importance of museums serving as responsive and collaborative public spaces. She has expressed a commitment to working closely with Newark’s communities, artists, educators, and partners to ensure the museum remains accessible, relevant, and welcoming.
Her appointment comes at a time when museums nationwide are reassessing their missions, governance structures, and relationships with the public. Issues of equity, representation, and civic responsibility are increasingly central, and Funderburke’s career reflects sustained engagement with these priorities.
Founded in 1909, the Newark Museum of Art has long been recognized for its breadth, ambition, and educational mission. Over the years, it has evolved from a traditional museum into a dynamic cultural campus, and its next chapter will be shaped significantly by Funderburke’s leadership and vision.
As she prepares to step into her new role, Lisa Funderburke is widely seen as a leader capable of guiding the Newark Museum of Art through a complex cultural landscape. Her blend of strategic experience, interdisciplinary thinking, and community-centered values positions her to build on the museum’s legacy while helping define its future.
