Maryland Humanities announced that its chief executive officer, Lindsey Baker, will leave the organization on Oct. 8, ending a six‑year tenure that began in August 2020. In a statement, Baker called her time leading the nonprofit “one of the great honors of my life” and expressed gratitude to the staff, board, partners, and Marylanders who value the humanities for strengthening communities.
Accomplishments under Baker’s leadership
During Baker’s tenure, Maryland Humanities navigated the COVID‑19 pandemic and a 2025 federal funding crisis that cut the organization’s operating budget by more than half. Despite those challenges, the nonprofit expanded programs across every Maryland county and Baltimore City, fostering connections to history, literature, and culture.
She also helped launch the Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity (SHINE) grant program, which has awarded a total of $2.5 million to Maryland organizations since 2023.
Board response and next steps
Chair of the Maryland Humanities Board of Directors, Chanel Johnson, praised Baker’s “vision, determination, and unwavering belief in the importance of the humanities.” Johnson said the board will begin a search for a new CEO in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth.
“Lindsey has led this organization through some of its most challenging and transformative moments,” Johnson added, noting that Baker’s work has strengthened the nonprofit’s statewide presence and positioned it for a sustainable future.
Looking ahead
Baker expressed confidence in the organization’s future, saying, “I’m proud of the culture we built together… I’m grateful for the chance to try new things, to build creative partnerships across the state, and to leave this role confident in the strength and dedication that will carry Maryland Humanities into its next chapter.”
The upcoming CEO search will focus on finding a leader who can continue to expand access to the humanities and uphold the organization’s mission of bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
