New Chief Executive Officer at Newfields in Indianapolis

Source: Newfields / Newfields

INDIANAPOLIS–There is a new Chief Executive Officer at Newfields in Indianapolis. On Monday, the Board of Trustees confirmed that Le Monte G. Booker is taking over that position starting in late October 2024.

Booker was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. In 2023, Booker was one of the not-for-profit finalists for “CFO of the Year” by Financial Executives International Chicago.

“I am thrilled to start my next chapter as the CEO of Newfields, which is an outstanding example of a cornerstone cultural institution in the unique position of having both a world-class art collection as well as important gardens and historic homes. I look forward to working with the Board, staff and Central Indiana community to continue to meet the mission of enriching lives through exceptional experiences with art and nature at this special institution,” said Booker.

Previously, Booker held several senior management positions at large not-for-profit organizations including CFO for Easter Seals national office, the American Academy of Pediatrics and a succession of positions at the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network.

In his spare time, Booker enjoys mentoring underprivileged youths and young adults, hiking in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, weightlifting, basketball and reading.

With the transition to a new full-time President and CEO, Interim President and CEO Michael Kubacki will be stepping aside.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our Interim President and CEO, Michael Kubacki for his tremendous efforts over the past eight months. We are thankful for his steady and kind leadership throughout this transition,” said Darrianne Christian.

As for how Booker was found and appointed, Newfields used a national search led by  Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, with expertise in senior executive leadership placements for not-for-profit, mission-driven organizations. They worked directly with a Search Committee appointed by the Board of Trustees to review and assess more than 200 applications for the role before conducting interviews with finalists.

Newfields is a 152-acre cultural campus that features art galleries, lush gardens, a historic home, performance spaces, a nature preserve and sculpture park.