Maryland Humanities Announces Leadership Transition of CEO, Lindsey Baker

(Baltimore, MD) – Maryland Humanities announced today that Lindsey Baker, its Chief Executive Officer, will depart for another leadership opportunity this fall following six years of dedicated service to the organization. Her last day will be October 8, 2026.

Since joining Maryland Humanities as CEO, Baker has guided the organization through periods of extraordinary change and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2025 federal funding crisis, which resulted in the loss of more than 50% of Maryland Humanities’ operating budget. Throughout these challenges, Baker has remained committed ensuring that the humanities remain accessible and relevant to Marylanders in every community.

Under Baker’s leadership, Maryland Humanities has strengthened its role as a statewide voice for the humanities. Baker has advocated for the humanities at the local, state, and federal levels and championed the creation of the Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity (SHINE) grant program—the first-ever general operating support available statewide to nonprofit organizations conducting humanities work throughout Maryland. To date, SHINE has distributed a total of $2.5 million in state funding to organizations in every part of the state. Baker’s sustained advocacy for SHINE each year reflects her commitment to ensuring that organizations across Maryland have the resources they need to thrive and continue serving their communities.

Baker has also spearheaded the development of new initiatives that demonstrate the importance of the humanities in everyday life and guided Maryland Humanities in strategically centering principles of racial equity throughout its organizational operations and programming. Under her leadership, the organization has worked to build systems and programs that are more equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive. Most importantly, Baker has remained committed to Maryland Humanities’ statewide mission of bringing the humanities to all Marylanders. During her tenure, the organization has engaged with communities in every county in Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, through programs that connect people with history, literature, culture, and one another.

“Leading Maryland Humanities has been one of the great honors of my life. I am endlessly grateful to have worked alongside a staff as talented and thoughtful as this one, a dedicated board, generous partners, and the countless Marylanders who believe in the power of the humanities to bring people together and strengthen our communities," said Baker.

“From the beginning, I wanted this to be a place where the work was excellent, and the experience of doing that work was excellent too, and I'm proud of the culture we built together. I'm especially proud of building the SHINE grant program, which helped uplift the statewide humanities sector and broadened who understood themselves as part of Maryland's humanities infrastructure. 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.”

Baker's vision for Maryland Humanities has been grounded in a simple belief: our stories connect us. She has spent her tenure making sure more Marylanders, no matter their background or zip code, see themselves in that work, using the humanities to strengthen our collective empathy and bring people closer together. Her leadership has helped advance that vision while strengthening Maryland Humanities as a statewide resource and advocate for the humanities.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Lindsey for her six years of extraordinary leadership and service to Maryland Humanities. Lindsey has led this organization through some of its most challenging and transformative moments with vision, determination, and an unwavering belief in the importance of the humanities,” said Chanel Johnson, Chair of the Maryland Humanities Board of Directors. 

“She has strengthened Maryland Humanities’ statewide presence, championed the humanities at every level of government, and helped position the organization for a strong and sustainable future. While we will miss her leadership, we are grateful for the legacy she leaves and look forward to building on the foundation she has established with Maryland Humanities.” 

The Board of Directors will begin a search for Maryland Humanities’ next Chief Executive Officer in the coming months. Additional information about the search and opportunities to participate will be shared as the process moves forward.

About Maryland Humanities
Maryland Humanities creates and supports bold experiences that explore and elevate our shared stories to connect people, enhance lives, and enrich communities. Maryland Humanities is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Maryland, the Citizens of Baltimore County, private foundations, corporations, small businesses, and individual donors. Connect with Maryland Humanities on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube.