Newark Museum of Art Names New Leader

Lisa Funderburke appointed as director and chief executive of New Jersey's largest art museum.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:31am

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The Newark Museum of Art has appointed Lisa Funderburke as its next director and chief executive. Funderburke, who previously served as president and CEO of the Artist Communities Alliance, will succeed Linda C. Harrison, who stepped down last spring after six years at the helm. The Newark Museum is New Jersey's largest art museum, with a global collection of over 300,000 objects and strengths in Tibetan and Native American art.

Why it matters

The Newark Museum of Art is a major cultural institution in New Jersey, and Funderburke's appointment as the new leader comes at a critical time as the museum seeks to raise its profile, attract new donors, and continue serving the local community.

The details

Funderburke was selected from among several dozen candidates nationwide. The museum's board chair, Peter Englot, cited Funderburke's experience as an energetic leader who can work with the museum's diverse collection and continue elevating underrepresented voices and perspectives. Funderburke, a native of Long Island with degrees from Howard University, previously served as associate director of the McColl Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and led the Charlotte Museum of Nature.

  • Funderburke will start her new role at the Newark Museum on Monday, January 27, 2026.
  • Linda C. Harrison stepped down as director and CEO of the Newark Museum last spring.

The players

Lisa Funderburke

The newly appointed director and chief executive of the Newark Museum of Art, who previously served as president and CEO of the Artist Communities Alliance.

Linda C. Harrison

The former director and CEO of the Newark Museum of Art, who stepped down last spring after six years in the role.

Peter Englot

The chair of the Newark Museum of Art's board, who led the search committee that selected Funderburke as the museum's new leader.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good time to apply my experience to a very specific place at a very specific moment, at a museum that I think is quite magical in how it shows up for the community.”

— Lisa Funderburke

“We need to inspire new generations of philanthropists.”

— Peter Englot, Chair of the Newark Museum of Art's board

What’s next

Funderburke will start her new role as director and CEO of the Newark Museum of Art on Monday, January 27, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Lisa Funderburke as the new leader of the Newark Museum of Art represents an opportunity for the institution to build on its strengths, raise its profile, and continue serving the local community in New Jersey.