Georgia Humanities President Announces Retirement
Atlanta—Georgia Humanities president Laura McCarty has announced her retirement after 30 years of service to the organization. Throughout her career, McCarty prioritized cooperation, increasing partnerships with schools, libraries, colleges and universities, and museums throughout Georgia. Her official retirement date is February 15, 2024.
A South Carolina native, McCarty assumed the role of president in 2018, although her dedication to Georgia Humanities began long before. Her tenure with the organization is marked by leadership in various capacities and has touched nearly every aspect of Georgia Humanities’ programming, including serving as a program assistant on grants, a contributor to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, state coordinator of National History Day Georgia, and executive vice president.
As president, McCarty steered the organization through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, managing the shift to remote operations and later orchestrating a smooth transition back to the office. Under her leadership, Georgia Humanities distributed more than $1.67 million in federal CARES and SHARP funding, which was instrumental in supporting the growth and recovery of cultural organizations and community pillars across the state.
“The joy of working in the humanities is the opportunity to learn something new every day. I look back on my time at Georgia Humanities with deep gratitude. It’s been a remarkable journey, connecting with people and collaborating with our dedicated board members, elected officials, community leaders, and many others who share a passion for the humanities,” McCarty said.
“Laura McCarty is a true advocate for our state’s history and culture,” said Board Chair Cameron Bean. “Her legacy is not just in the projects she has led but in the countless individuals and organizations she has uplifted through her devotion to this work. We’re grateful for her contributions and the solid foundation she has laid for the future.”
The Board of Directors has appointed Latonda Milner, the current vice president of finance and operations, to serve as interim president. With 25 years of dedicated leadership and service to Georgia Humanities, Latonda is well-positioned to manage the transition.
“As we bid farewell to Laura, we recognize her significant impact on our organization and on Georgia’s cultural landscape. Her commitment to our state has set a high bar for us all,” Milner said. “I’m honored to serve as interim president and will work hard to maintain Georgia Humanities’ mission and support our partners, staff, and stakeholders.”
A national search for the next permanent president of Georgia Humanities will be led by Board of Directors vice-chair Lisa J. Smith.
About Georgia Humanities
Through inclusive grants and programs, Georgia Humanities connects people and communities to spark curiosity, share ideas, amplify stories, and inspire action. Funding for Georgia Humanities is provided by the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and various foundations, donors, and partners. To learn more, please visit GeorgiaHumanities.org.
###
