Lori Fogarty, CEO of OMCA, raises record $3.3 million for Oakland museum

Bargain hunters descend on the annual White Elephant fundraiser for the Oakland Museum of California in Oakland. (Paul Chinn/The Chronicle)

At LeaderSpring Center, we believe leadership is most powerful when it is rooted in community, shaped by purpose, and expressed through impact. We are proud to spotlight East Bay Class of 2016 alumna Lori Fogarty, Executive Director and CEO of Oakland Museum of California, whose leadership continues to strengthen the cultural fabric of the Bay Area.

For more than two decades, Lori has guided OMCA with a vision grounded in equity, belonging, and deep community connection. Under her leadership, the museum has evolved into more than a cultural institution—it is a vibrant gathering space that reflects the diverse stories, histories, and lived experiences of California. Her approach emphasizes that museums must not only be relevant, but truly in service to their communities, shaping programming and partnerships that invite accessibility, participation, and shared ownership.

That commitment to community was recently reflected in a major milestone. As highlighted in a recent feature, OMCA’s annual White Elephant Sale—its largest fundraiser—raised a record-breaking $3.3 million in 2026. Powered by volunteers and sustained by generations of community support, the event directly funds exhibitions, public programs, and the museum’s ongoing operations. More than a financial achievement, this moment speaks to the strength of relationships that Lori and her team have cultivated over time—demonstrating what is possible when institutions are rooted in trust and collective care.

Through her leadership, OMCA continues to expand access to arts, culture, and history, serving as a vital resource for understanding California’s past, present, and future. Lori’s work models a form of leadership that is collaborative, values-driven, and responsive to community—an approach that aligns deeply with LeaderSpring Center’s commitment to advancing equity and impact across the nonprofit sector.

We are honored to celebrate Lori Fogarty as part of our Alumni Impact series. Her leadership reminds us that meaningful change happens when leaders invest not only in their organizations, but in the communities they serve—building spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired.

Learn more about OMCA: https://museumca.org/