Colette Pierce Burnette Appointed First Black Woman President and CEO of Newfields

On August 1, Colette Pierce Burnette will assume the role of president and chief executive at Newfields, which includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She was chosen from over 230 applicants, with board chair Darrianne Christian highlighting her exceptional qualifications. Currently, Pierce Burnette has been at the helm of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, for nearly six years and has co-chaired a task force addressing institutional racism and systemic inequities in Austin. Her appointment comes 15 months after former director Charles L. Venable resigned amid controversy regarding a job listing that aimed to preserve a 'traditional, core, white art audience' while pursuing diversity, prompting an apology from the board. Burnette is eager to contribute to Newfields's mission of enhancing lives through art and nature. She previously announced her retirement from Huston-Tillotson six months ago, and Chief Financial Officer Jerry Wise has been acting as interim president since Venable's exit.