Tom Linfield, Long-Time Arts Champion, Chosen to Lead Madison Children’s Museum

June 28, 2024 is official start date

The Madison Children’s Museum board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Linfield as the organization’s new president & CEO. With extensive experience in philanthropy and a deep connection to the local community, Linfield will bring a unique perspective and passion to his new role.

Linfield with “Long Tall Sally,” an 8-foot mosaic giraffe he created in collaboration with artists Dana Slowiak, Gary N-ski and Aimee Reid-Rice. Photo: Tim Hughes

“I am exhilarated by the opportunity to join Madison Children’s Museum,” says Linfield. “This is a cherished local institution, a nationally recognized museum, and one of the most innovative and creative organizations I’ve ever worked with. From the Rooftop Ramble down to the pay-what-you-can cafe, the museum continues to find ways to delight and engage their diverse visitors. Their commitment to equity and inclusion, integration of sustainable practices, and history of involving local artists in exhibition creation, are all reasons I’m so excited to join the team.” 

Linfield currently serves as vice president of community impact at the Madison Community Foundation, where he has been employed for the last 20 years. He has helped distribute grant money to hundreds of local nonprofits and formed deep connections in the local community with donors and organizations.  

He has served as part of a team at Madison Community Foundation that grew their assets from $100 million to $400 million, built a $330,000 community gardens project that tripled the number of food pantry gardens and community gardens in the greater Madison area, and leveraged over $27 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program funding (Covid relief) for Dane County nonprofits. 

Linfield has strong connections to the museum: as a volunteer, contributing artist, and parent. When the museum reopened on the Capitol Square in 2010, he created the mosaic “L” that still hangs on the first floor. He fondly recalls bringing his own children to explore and discover the wonders of the museum in their younger years. 

He also has longstanding relationships with museum staff. “Tom is an artist and a creative spirit,” says Brenda Baker, the museum’s vice president of exhibits, facilities, and strategic initiatives. “He has an unusual combination of strengths: a drive for excellence, a commitment to community—and a sense of whimsy and playfulness—that will meld seamlessly with what MCM does best.” 

This is a pivotal time for MCM, one that offers space for new leadership and strategic planning. The Caretakers of Wonder project, a national, MCM-led initiative addressing the effects of climate change on young children, is entering a new phase. A major new MCM exhibit, the Nice Age Trail, opens on June 1. The museum is partnering with Lilly Endowment Inc. on an initiative with great potential to further MCM’s work via a major grant. And the museum just completed hosting the largest ever international children’s museum conference, in partnership with the Association of Children’s Museums, an event years in the making. 

“I was lucky enough to participate in the recent conference hosted here by Madison Children’s Museum,” says Linfield. “Professionals from around the country were in awe of what our museum has accomplished. Deb and her team have really built something extraordinary.” 

Linfield’s first day on the job as president & CEO of Madison Children’s Museum is set for June 28, 2024. 

Deb Gilpin, MCM president & CEO for the last 11 years, will work through July 3, committing some consulting hours after that to ease the transition. Gilpin is retiring after 37 years in the field.  

Matt Premo, president of the MCM board, says, “Tom brings strong community connections, deep knowledge of how nonprofits operate and are funded, and an innovative approach that will make him a dynamic and effective leader.”

Jennifer Johnson, executive search committee chair and former MCM board chair, adds, “After a long national search vetting many qualified candidates, the hiring committee and board are thrilled to welcome Tom to Madison Children’s Museum.” 

The board retained the services of the Arts Consulting Group, a Chicago agency that has extensive experience in executive leadership searches.