Are turbulent times at Indiana’s largest art museum finally settling down? Indianapolis’s Newfields—a 152-acre cultural complex that’s home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art—has announced its fifth leader in just four years. Le Monte G. Booker, Sr. will take up the position of president and CEO at the end of October, following nine years as CFO at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History. Booker takes over from interim president and CEO Michael Kubacki.

“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,” Booker said in press materials. “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.”

Booker joins an institution that has seen an uncommonly rocky spell. Former CEO and director Charles Venable had already caused controversy by turning the museum’s contemporary art galleries into an immersive art space when outright scandal broke out in 2021 after a job listing came to light in which the museum sought a new director who could attract more diverse attendees while maintaining its “traditional, core, white art audience.”

Venable stepped down days later. The following month, Newfields published a “detailed action plan” including $20 million for diversity initiatives. About a year later, the institution hired Colette Pierce Burnette to serve in the vacant post. Burnette was the institution’s first-ever Black executive, but she resigned after just 15 months. No reason was given for her abrupt departure. Protests ensued, and the board hemorrhaged members.

Newfields’ leadership has expressed confidence that Booker has what it takes to thrive. Board chair Darianne Christian said in the announcement that Booker “possesses the right mindset, temperament, aptitude and leadership skills needed for this role,” adding that he not only met the search criteria, he also brought “fresh perspectives we hadn’t previously considered to the process.”

At the Field, Booker oversaw finance, protection services, and facilities planning and operations. He was a finalist for nonprofit CFO of the Year in a competition organized by Financial Executives International Chicago. He’s held senior management positions with large nonprofits like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network, and has served on the board for the CPA Endowment Fund, Asian Human Services, and the CFO Roundtable of Chicago.

Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis. Photo: Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images.

Newfields has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding Booker’s first projects—or how he’ll help restore the embattled cultural complex’s reputation.