The Walters Art Museum Appoints New Members to Its Executive Leadership Team

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The Walters Art Museum announced today the appointment of new members to its executive leadership team. Monica J. Caul, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has been named the Senior Director of Human Resources, Liz Courtemanche has been named the museum’s inaugural Chief Philanthropy Officer, and Leigh Profit, CPA, has been named the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

“Monica, Liz, and Leigh are exemplary additions to the Walters Art Museum’s leadership team, and I am thrilled to work alongside them to build the future of this great institution,” said Kate Burgin, Andrea B. and John H. Laporte Director and CEO. “They bring decades of expertise in their respective fields and are committed to advancing the Walters’ mission, and strengthening its role as a vibrant arts organization serving Baltimore and Maryland for generations to come.”

Alongside these additions, Connie McAllister has been named the Chief Communications & Content Officer and Laurel Miller has been named the Chief Learning, Experience, and Community Engagement Officer.

Monica J. Caul, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Senior Director of Human Resources

Monica J. Caul, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, brings more than 20 years of strategic HR leadership experience and a proven record of creating supportive, people-centered workplaces to the Walters Art Museum. From 2020 to 2025, Caul served as the Chief People and Culture Officer at KID Museum in Bethesda, Maryland where she established and grew their People and Culture function, transformed the recruiting and onboarding process, designed and implemented a new collaborative performance management process, and led the creation and execution of its diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging (DEAIB) strategy.

Previously, Caul served as the Vice President of Human Resources and Administration (2001–2019) at Bright MLS, Inc. (formerly MRIS, Inc.) where she oversaw all functions of human resources, including payroll, benefits, compensation, and employee relations, while also building strong HR programs and processes that supported staff success. Additional past leadership roles include Associate Manager of Human Resources (1995–2001) at ConvaTec, Human Resources Advisor (1993–1995) at Aetna U.S. Healthcare, and various leadership roles between 1985–1993 at The McGraw-Hill Companies, including Placement (Recruitment) Specialist.

At the Walters, Caul is responsible for all aspects of the HR strategy and planning, including labor relations, workforce and organizational development, human resources policy development and regulatory compliance, talent recruitment and retention, employee engagement, performance management and development, employee relations, and other essential functions and processes that impact the employee experience at the Walters.

“My approach to Human Resources, and leadership overall is rooted in meaningful partnerships and collaboration, because I believe that collaboration and inclusion are essential to our growth. It is exactly this hand-in-hand people work, and the institution’s commitment to its staff and the community that first attracted me to the Walters Art Museum,” said Caul. “I look forward to partnering with the Walters’ leadership team, as well as every Walters staff member, to foster a workplace culture based in inclusivity, understanding, trust and respect. Together, we’ll strengthen our sense of belonging and lay the foundation for the Walters’ continued growth and impact.”

Liz Courtemanche, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Liz Courtemanche, a leader in Maryland arts fundraising, comes to the museum with 16 years of experience in Baltimore-based philanthropy, including a previous role at the Walters. Prior to her return, she served as the Director of Philanthropy (2023–2025) at The Baltimore Banner, where she stewarded a major giving program for the new nonprofit news organization. Courtemanche also led fundraising at the Baltimore Museum of Art as the Senior Director and Department Head of Advancement (2019–2023) and served as the Associate Director of Development, Sheridan Libraries & University Museums at Johns Hopkins University (2012–2019) and Campaign Gifts Officer and Development Researcher at the Walters Art Museum (2009–2012).

In this role, Courtemanche leads the museum’s Development department and its essential fundraising efforts. In particular, she will align the fundraising strategy with institutional goals and objectives, with a focus on expanding private philanthropy.

“The Walters Art Museum is where I laid the foundation of my career. Returning now as its first Chief Philanthropy Officer feels like a full-circle moment,” says Courtemanche. “I am committed to cultivating a community of dedicated supporters for the Walters at every level—from individual donors and organizations to first-time visitors and volunteers. I believe deeply in this institution, and I am eager to help it shine brighter as a beacon of arts and culture in a city I hold close to my heart.”

Leigh Profit, CPA, Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer

Leigh Profit brings 23 years of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, private industry, and public accounting. Most recently, Profit served as Vice President of Finance and Operations (2013–2025) at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore, overseeing finance, investment, audit, human resources, facilities, operations, and safety and risk management. Profit also served as the liaison to the Finance, Human Resources, and Investment Committees of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Profit previously held roles at Hamel Builders as the Controller (2012–2013), the Immune Deficiency Foundation as the Director of Finance (2011-2012), and Hertzbach & Company, P.A. (now BDO USA) as a Manager (2003-2011).

In her role at the Walters, Profit leads the Finance department and oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations. She is responsible for the management of the Walters’ finance and accounting functions, retail operations, and the oversight of the various operations departments including Maintenance and Engineering, Safety and Security, and Information Technology.

“Expanding access has been a driving force in my career. At Cristo Rey, my work centered on providing students access to learning opportunities and career pathways. At the Walters Art Museum, my priority is ensuring Baltimoreans can enjoy our world-class art collections, outstanding exhibitions, and engaging programs at no cost,” Profit said. “Every corner of the museum offers opportunities to expand our efforts and welcome even more families, students, and visitors to experience all that the Walters has to offer.”

ABOUT THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM

The Walters Art Museum is a cultural hub in the heart of Baltimore, located in the city’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. The museum’s collection spans more than seven millennia, from 5000 BCE to the 21st century, and encompasses 36,000 objects from around the world. Walking through the museum’s historic buildings, visitors encounter a stunning panorama of thousands of years of art, from romantic 19th-century images of French gardens to mesmerizing Ethiopian icons, richly illuminated Qur’ans and Gospel books, ancient roman sarcophagi, and serene images of the Buddha. Since its founding, the Walters’ mission has been to bring art and people together to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. As part of this commitment, admission to the museum and special exhibitions is always free.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Admission to the museum is always free. The Walters Art Museum is located at 600 N. Charles St., north of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. For general museum information, call 410-547-9000 or visit thewalters.org.

Free admission to the Walters Art Museum is made possible through the combined generosity of individual members and donors, foundations, corporations, and grants from the City of Baltimore, Maryland State Arts Council, Citizens of Baltimore County, and Howard County Government and Howard County Arts Council.