A Career of Commitment: Laura D’Amato
At the Racine Art Museum (RAM), the strength of the institution is built not only through its exhibitions and programs, but through the people who sustain its work from within. For more than two decades, Laura D’Amato played a central role in shaping that foundation—guiding the museum’s growth, strengthening its operations, and building the relationships that make its mission possible.
D’Amato retired in July 2026 after nearly 22 years of service, concluding a tenure defined by steady leadership and lasting impact. Since joining RAM in 2004, she grew into the role of Deputy Director and Chief Development Officer, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities that touched nearly every aspect of the organization. Her work bridged strategy and execution, supporting both the long-term vision of the museum and the daily systems that keep it running, while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the board.
A significant part of D’Amato’s legacy lies in her leadership of RAM’s development efforts. Over her tenure, she helped guide fundraising initiatives that generated close to $30 million in support of exhibitions, educational programs, and the permanent collection. These resources have strengthened RAM’s ability to serve the community, supporting programming across both RAM Downtown and RAM Wustum while expanding access to creative experiences.
Yet her impact extended well beyond financial results. D’Amato approached development as a practice rooted in relationships—cultivating trust with donors, collaborating closely with colleagues, and aligning the efforts of staff, board members, and volunteers. Her ability to connect people to the museum’s mission helped build a strong and engaged network of support that continues to sustain the organization.
Internally, D’Amato was a steady and collaborative presence. She worked across departments to ensure that operations, communications, and advancement efforts were aligned, bringing clarity and consistency to complex processes. Her deep institutional knowledge, built over decades, made her a valued strategic partner in organizational decision-making and the person colleagues instinctively turned to for insight, solutions, or simply a friendly ear to listen.
Reflecting on her time at RAM, D’Amato has expressed gratitude for the many relationships that defined her experience—from co-workers and board members to the donors and community partners who shared in the museum’s work. While retirement marks a new chapter, her connection to RAM remains strong. She and her husband, Raymond “Moon” Johnson, continue to support the museum as members and patrons, reflecting a lasting commitment to its future.
D’Amato’s contributions are not captured by any single initiative, but by the cumulative effect of sustained, thoughtful leadership. Her career is a reminder that the vitality of an organization depends as much on the people working behind the scenes as it does on what is visible to the public. Through her dedication, care, and expertise, Laura D’Amato has helped shape RAM into the organization it is today—leaving a foundation that will support its work for years to come.