skip to main content
Kara Newport
Kara Newport
00:34

Kara Newport

Filoli

Woodside, CA USA

"Chart your own path."

Career Roadmap

Kara's work combines: Environment & Nature, Non-Profit Organizations, and Working with Others

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

President & CEO

I connect history, nature, and community through diverse programs and strategic direction.

02:41

Day In The Life Of A Museum And Public Garden President

My Day to Day

As the CEO of Filoli, my days are filled with variety—from strategic planning and community engagement to exploring our vast estate. I lead our team in preserving history and nature, uncovering new stories, and ensuring Filoli remains relevant and inspiring for all who visit. Whether I'm guiding tours, partnering with donors, or simply hiking through our gardens, I’m constantly connecting the past with the future, making every day a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Botany

    Miami University

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Public Horticulture Administration

    University of Delaware

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I grew up on a farm in Ohio, where I developed a love for plants and history that shaped my career path.

  • 2.

    I earned my bachelor’s degree in botany, which gave me a strong foundation in science, and also pursued a minor in history.

  • 3.

    Realizing that a lab career wasn’t for me, I pivoted to pursue a master’s degree in public administration focused on nonprofit management.

  • 4.

    I began my career in fundraising, where I discovered my passion for storytelling and connecting with donors.

  • 5.

    I became an executive director in the South, often finding myself as the only woman in the room, which fueled my commitment to women in leadership.

  • 6.

    My love for plants and history led me to a role as executive director of a nonprofit in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I honed my leadership skills.

  • 7.

    I was recruited to lead Filoli, a perfect fit that allowed me to merge my interests in history, plants, and nonprofit leadership.