Linda C. Harrison

CEO of The Newark Museum of Art

As the head of The Newark Museum of Art, a large, complex, urban museum campus, Linda plays a strategic and unifying role for the organization and the city, she communicates the work and mission of the organization. Linda works with the Board, staff, and community to identify and implement priorities and tactics to further the Museum’s goals.

Linda revels in developing and communicate an inspiring vision that is inclusive, achievable, and sustainable. ensuring financial sustainability for the Museum, strengthen and expanding the Museum’s ties to its community, leading a collaborative, supportive, high-functioning team of staff and partnering with the Board of Trustees.

During her first 100 days, Linda developed a 3-year Strategic Vision Plan to transform the museum, adding a sense of urgency and a bold vision. Her plan expanded the notion of a logo upgrade into a major brand transformation, involving a re-engineering of mission, a refreshed logo/brand image, and adding the clarifying words ‘of Art’ to the museum’s name. The new Vision incorporated five critical paths to be worked on simultaneously; Improving Financial Stability, investing in Digital Future, Developing Right Infrastructure, Leveraging and Enhancing the Brand, and Investing in Right Programming.

During the first of her three-year plan, Linda established a new Senior Leadership Team and revamped the organization for more engaging community impact. In 2020, for the first time in over a decade, Linda presented the Board of Trustees a balanced budget. Earned Income in 2019 was increased 25% over 2018 audited results. Contributed revenues were increased by 7%, while visitor traffic increased 9% over 2018.

Linda has attracted and confirmed 5 new Board Trustees, setting the stage for additional net new funders. Linda is leveraging the Museum’s 5 acre campus by developing a real estate development strategy, turning the museum campus into a vibrant live, work and play creative space that will contribute to the city of Newark’s transformation.