Kara Newport started her role as CEO of Filoli in 2016. Filoli is a country house set in 16 acres of formal gardens surrounded by a 654-acre estate in Woodside, California. Originally built as a private residence in 1917, Filoli opened to the public in 1975 as a nonprofit organization and site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The property features the Georgian revival-style mansion, 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens, a 6.8-acre orchard, and hundreds of acres of natural lands.
In her role, Newport aims to create programming that connects people to Filoli. Under her leadership, Filoli has become a more accessible and inclusive institution with a commitment to diversifying staff, board, and visitorship. Before joining the historical property, Newport was a professional fundraiser for organisations including science museums, zoos and other historical estates.
One person who nominated Newport said she is “a visionary leader and changemaker”. They added: “She has a clear and ambitious vision for Filoli’s future, which includes preserving its historical significance while making it more accessible and relevant to modern audiences. Her ability to articulate this vision and rally her team around it has been instrumental in Filoli’s continued success and for creating change in its sector.
“Kara’s multifaceted approach to leadership has not only sustained Filoli’s historical significance but also positioned it as a thriving and relevant institution for generations to come. Kara is widely recognized across Filoli’s sectors in museums, public gardens and cultural sites. She has set a new standard for nonprofit leadership and is setting the base for change by influencing the next generation of leaders.”