Milwaukee Art Museum Names Linda Woods as Chief Human Resources Officer

– Woods brings 25 years of human resources expertise spanning the higher education and hospitality industries to the Museum. –

Milwaukee, Wis. – July 29, 2021 – The Milwaukee Art Museum has announced that Linda Woods has been hired as the organization’s new Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, which is on the Museum’s Senior Leadership Team, Woods is responsible for building and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work culture that supports staff engagement and retention.

Woods joins the Museum after 20 years as a key senior human resources leader at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Serving in increasingly responsible roles, Woods brings her expertise in the areas of benefits administration, classification and compensation, and HR management. She most recently held the position of Human Resources Business Partner Supervisor in the UWM Shared Services Center, leading a team of HR Business Partners that provided services to twelve of the schools, colleges, and divisions on the university’s campus.  Woods has also represented UWM in the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s DEI initiative, work that she plans to continue while at the Museum.

“I am thrilled to welcome Linda to the Museum as a member of our Senior Leadership Team who will help shape our institution’s culture,” said Marcelle Polednik, PhD, Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director. “Her experience across the many aspects of the human resources industry reflects her deep knowledge and dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.”

Woods has 25 years experience in human resources, spanning the higher education, hospitality, and casino gaming industries. She has expertise in full-cycle recruiting, workforce planning, employee relations, onboarding, performance management, talent development and change management. She also has a long history of strategic partnerships, collaboration, coaching, motivating, and improving processes. Woods received her BBA from McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.

“I am honored to be joining the team at the Milwaukee Art Museum,” said Linda Woods. “The new Strategic Direction, with its focus squarely on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, will provide some exciting opportunities for engagement with Museum staff, the city of Milwaukee, and the surrounding areas.  I am truly looking forward to being a part of those efforts.”

Linda Woods officially begins her role as Chief Human Resources Officer for the Milwaukee Art Museum on August 16, 2021.