Newark Museum of Art Names Lisa Funderburke as Next Director

Funderburke comes to the museum from the Artist Communities Alliance in Providence, Rhode Island.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:39am

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The Newark Museum of Art in New Jersey has named Lisa Funderburke as its next director and CEO, beginning February 1. Funderburke succeeds Linda C. Harrison, who departed seven months ago after six years in the role. Funderburke previously served as associate director of McColl Center for Art + Innovation and as director of the Charlotte Nature Museum in North Carolina.

Why it matters

The Newark Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in New Jersey, with a collection of 300,000 objects and an annual operating budget just shy of $19 million. Funderburke's appointment comes at a time when many major museums across the U.S. are seeking new leadership.

The details

Funderburke comes to NMOA from the Artist Communities Alliance, a nonprofit in Providence, Rhode Island that focuses on supporting artists and artist residencies. During her nearly decade-long tenure, she helped grow the organization's operating budget to $2.5 million. Prior to that, she served in leadership roles at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation and the Charlotte Nature Museum in North Carolina.

  • Funderburke will begin her role as director and CEO of the Newark Museum of Art on February 1, 2026.
  • Linda C. Harrison, the previous director, departed the museum seven months ago after six years in the role.

The players

Lisa Funderburke

The incoming director and CEO of the Newark Museum of Art, succeeding Linda C. Harrison.

Linda C. Harrison

The previous director of the Newark Museum of Art, who departed seven months ago after six years in the role.

Peter Englot

The board chair of the Newark Museum of Art, who announced Funderburke's appointment.

Artist Communities Alliance

The nonprofit organization in Providence, Rhode Island that Funderburke led as executive director for nearly a decade.

McColl Center for Art + Innovation

The organization in Charlotte, North Carolina where Funderburke previously served as associate director.

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What they’re saying

“Lisa brings to the museum unique breadth and depth of experience as a museum and arts leader. We are of one mind that Lisa's innovative approach and creative ideation are truly unmatched. She has infectious enthusiasm and energy, and we're confident in her ability to strengthen the museum's foundations, bringing equal parts visionary, strategic, and practical thinking to propel NMOA as New Jersey's greatest art museum and a best-in-class museum nationally.”

— Peter Englot, Board Chair, Newark Museum of Art

“Museums are most vital when they are responsive, collaborative, and deeply connected to the communities they serve. Throughout my career, I have seen how cultural institutions function as essential civic infrastructure. I am excited to work with the Newark community and broader networks of artists and partners to position the museum as a leader in national and global conversations about art, science, and cultural exchange—stewarding the museum as a shared public space for learning, creativity, and dialogue.”

— Lisa Funderburke

What’s next

The Newark Museum of Art is currently undergoing a $100 million development project called Museum Parc, which includes 250 mixed-income apartments and a 4,500-square-foot gallery space. The project is expected to be completed in early 2027.

The takeaway

Funderburke's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Newark Museum of Art, as it undergoes a major expansion and renovation project. Her experience leading smaller arts organizations and her focus on community engagement will be crucial in positioning the museum as a leader in the national and global art world.