The Baltimore School for the Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Shanae Williams McLean, a proud alumna from the Class of 1998, as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees. McLean will succeed Julie Rothman, whose esteemed term concludes on June 30, 2024.
Rosiland Cauthen, Executive Director of the BSA, expressed her enthusiasm for the transition, stating, “I’m so excited to work with Shanae as the new chair of the Board. She is knowledgeable and committed to the goals of BSA. Shanae is an alum of the school and knows what it takes to be successful. She understands the legacy and traditions of the school and is dedicated to helping us grow to the next level. I look forward to our future collaborations.”
McLean brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to her new role. As a seasoned executive and a devoted advocate for the BSA, her leadership is expected to usher in a dynamic new chapter for the Foundation.
Reflecting on her upcoming role, McLean said, “It is an incredible honor to step into this position and support the institution that played such a pivotal role in my own development. BSA has always been a beacon of artistic and academic excellence, and I am committed to advancing its mission and ensuring that future generations have the same transformative opportunities I did.”
Julie Rothman, the outgoing Chair, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and impactful service. Rothman expressed her confidence in McLean’s appointment: “BSA is so fortunate to have Shanae as our new Board Chair. Not only is she a seasoned executive, but she is also a proud graduate of the BSA. To have that combination of business expertise and passion for the arts makes her an ideal leader of our Board of Trustees.”
Rothman’s term has been marked by her steadfast commitment to fostering the school’s mission to provide top-tier arts education and opportunities for students from all backgrounds. As she passes the torch, Rothman will continue to support BSA as an active member of the community, championing its vision and values.
The BSA Foundation is grateful for Julie Rothman’s extraordinary contributions and looks forward to a bright future under Shanae’s guidance.
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the addition of two new members for the 2024-26 term:
Veronica Dunlap ‘95, Esq.
Veronica, a 1995 BSA graduate, began her career as a professional dancer before earning degrees in International Affairs and Law. As Deputy Executive Director of the ACLU of Maryland, she leads strategic decision-making and program implementation. Previously, she directed New York Justice Initiatives at Pro Bono Net, earning recognition for her public service work. Veronica remains an active BSA alum, serving as the 2023 Graduation Speaker and sporadically supporting the BSA Annual Fund.
Lauren Edwards
Lauren earned an M.A. in Communication Studies in 2015 and a Master’s in Corporate and Organizational Communication in 2016 from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her career as the Benefits and Communication Coordinator in the Office of Alumni Relations at Towson University. In 2018, Lauren transitioned to Brown Capital Management, where she started as the Executive Assistant to the Founder and CEO and rose to the position of Chief of Staff in 2023. Alongside her professional endeavors, Lauren serves on the Board of Directors of the Gaucher Community Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting rare disease patients.
The Baltimore School for the Arts is a nationally recognized public arts high school that provides its students with intensive pre-professional training in the arts in conjunction with a rigorous academic curriculum. BSA graduates go on to the most selective arts and university programs nationwide and achieve prominence in theater, film, music, dance, and the visual arts. Additionally, the BSA’s highly acclaimed TWIGS program offers free after-school arts instruction to up to 700 city elementary and middle school children from schools across Baltimore each year, as well as other outreach initiatives to thousands more. Founded in 1979, the school is an integral and vibrant part of Baltimore’s educational and cultural communities.
