Baltimore City Wire

The Walters Art Museum has appointed Kate Burgin as its new Executive Director and CEO, concluding a seven-month national search. Currently the President of the Talent Stream division at Catalyte, Inc., Burgin will begin her new role in late January 2025. She previously held various executive roles at the Walters from 2016 until joining Catalyte in 2022.

Peter L. Bain, President of the Walters Art Museum’s Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm for Burgin's return: “I am thrilled that Kate Burgin will join the Walters as our new Executive Director and CEO.” He praised her vision and leadership, emphasizing her connection to Baltimore.

Sheila Vidmar, Chair of the Search Committee, noted that Burgin was chosen unanimously after a competitive search process. “Her passion for the arts and their ability to enrich lives... made her stand out among an impressive field of candidates,” Vidmar said.

Burgin's work at Catalyte involved expanding job training and apprenticeships in technology fields for underrepresented communities. Her initiatives included partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and state governments.

At the Walters Art Museum, Burgin previously spearheaded significant projects such as developing a diversity plan and completing a $10 million capital fundraising project. She also helped establish new departments aimed at community engagement.

Kate Burgin commented on her appointment: “The Walters Art Museum is an essential part of the arts and culture ecosystem in Baltimore... I am deeply honored to lead this great institution.”

Burgin holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and has worked with TDC and Boston Consulting Group. A resident of Baltimore City, she serves on several boards including the Greater Baltimore Committee.

The search for a new director began when Julia Alexander announced her departure earlier this year to lead the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. The selection process involved narrowing down from 22 interested candidates to four finalists through interviews led by Russell Reynolds Associates.