After the last few tumultuous weeks, it’s important to recognize good news and to remember to celebrate accomplishments. First on my list is congratulating my friend and colleague, David London. After 12 years with GBCA, David has accepted the Director’s position at the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund. David follows our dear friend, Melissa Warlow in this position. Melissa has decided to retire after many successful years. Many of you may know that for most of his time at GBCA, David managed and significantly contributed to the Baker Artist Portfolio. We are delighted that we will continue working closely with David in his new role. Congratulations and thank you to Melissa, who has led with brilliance, acumen, and, most importantly, her love for art and artists in the region. Alix Fenhagen will continue in an expanded role at GBCA as Baker Artist Portfolio Manager.

Accolades are also due to Kate Burgin, who last week started in her new role as Andrea B., and John H. Laporte, Director at The Walters Art Museum. She returns to The Walters after serving as President of the Talent Stream division at Catalyte, Inc., a Baltimore-based technology services and workforce company. Before joining Catalyte in 2022, Burgin served in several executive positions at the Walters beginning in 2016. In her most recent role at The Walters, Burgin was the museum's deputy director. She succeeds Julia Alexander, who served as Director from 2013 until October 2024 and who served faithfully on the GBCA Board of Directors. Thank you, Julia! We wish you all the best in your new position as President of The Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

After this good news, I was so sorry to learn of the sudden passing of the talented, amazing Susan Alcorn. Susan was the 2017 Baker Artist Awards-Mary Sawyers Imboden Prize recipient for her remarkable and innovative work as a steel guitar artist. You can learn more and celebrate Susan by viewing https://vimeo.com/218692134 and the following tributes here and here.

All my best,

Jeannie