On May 17, Newfields board of trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette as the new president and CEO. Burnette will begin Aug. 1.
Burnette is currently the president of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, a historically Black college, where she grew the university’s endowment, launched new academic programs and created partnerships with major companies such as Apple, Indeed and Merck.
The Chamber of Commerce named her the 2021 Austinite of the Year for her dedication to education and work as co-chair for the Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities.
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“I’ve seen the nurturing and transformative power of cherished institutions like Newfields,” Burnette said. “I am thrilled to become part of a team driven to meet Newfields’ mission of enriching lives purposefully and intentionally through exceptional experiences with art and nature. I believe strongly in service, and I am excited to lead Newfields at this unique moment to make it a place every person in Indianapolis and beyond is excited to visit, and every team member is proud to work.”
Burnette was chosen from a pool of 230 applicants. The board of trustees considered input from all levels and departments at Newfields.
“Our Search Committee looked at leaders across the entire country, and Dr. Burnette was a clear standout amongst an impressive slate,” said Darrianne Christian, chair of the Newfields board. “Her extensive professional achievements reflect her ability to deliver on her passion to innovate and advance the arts, education and green spaces. She is lauded by her staff, peers and the communities she served for being a humble leader with an immense amount of respect and empathy for everyone she encounters. Her legacy has been to elevate the beloved institutions she’s led into stronger more inclusive organizations that others seek to emulate. We are absolutely delighted to bring her leadership to Newfields.”
