The Deputy Director of one of the UK's leading national museums has been confirmed as a Lay Canon and member
of Chapter at St Paul's.
Pim Baxter, who is Deputy Director at the National Portrait Gallery in central
London, will become the newest member of the Cathedral's governing body.
The appointment was approved by the Bishop of London, and Pim will be installed at a special service in the Cathedral in March.
Pim Baxter is a highly experienced arts manager, having worked in opera, theatre and the visual arts.With an extensive knowledge of senior
management and team-leading, her roles have included fundraising and sponsorship, communications, audience development, event management and
project management.
As a Lay Canon, Pim will be a full member of Chapter and will share in the governance and oversight of the Cathedral’s work and worship. Lay
Canons work part-time and do not normally have executive responsibility, but bring much experience and expertise which is vital to helping
shape and implement the policy of Chapter.
As well as heading up the National Portrait Gallery's communications, development and human resources teams – a role which will not change as a
result of her appointment as a Lay Canon - Pim is also Secretary to the Board of Trustees. She previously worked at the National Theatre in
both marketing and development.
Other professional achievements include mentoring for Arts & Business, being on the Board of
ALVA (the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions), being a Governor of MidKent College,and
co-chairing theWomen Leaders in Museums Network. Pim is also a Fellow of the Royal
Society of Arts, a Member of the National Trust, a Friend of
the Canterbury Festivaland a member of the Friends of Conservation.
In March 2010 she was chosen as one of the Cultural Leadership Programme’s 50 ‘Women to Watch’, nominated within the creative and cultural
sector.
Speaking about herappointment, Pim said:"It is an honour to be invited to take up the role of Lay Canon at St Paul’s and I look forward to
contributing to the exciting and challenging times ahead. This is a great opportunity to support the work of Chapter and to become a member of
the Cathedral community and I look forward to worshiping at St Paul’s and attending some of the many wonderful events.”
Pim and her husband Andrew have lived near Faversham in Kent since 1972 bringing up two daughters, Sarah and Emma, and a son, Mark - the couple
now also have three granddaughters. Educated at Downe House near Newbury, she completed her BA degree with the Open University whilst her
children were young, and went on to do an MA with City University whilst working at the National Theatre.
Pim worships at St Mary’s Church, Eastling, where Andrew is the organist. Over the years she has been involved in many aspects of church and
village life.
The Very Reverend David Ison, Dean of St Paul's, said: "I'm delighted that Pim is coming to join the Chapter of St Paul's. She brings a wide
variety of experience which is relevant to our work, and an active Christian commitment in her own parish church. As well as sharing overall
responsibility for the governance of this ancient and complex institution, she will have particular involvement in helping us to develop our
welcome for all who come to the Cathedral, which is an integral part of our strategy for the future, as well as building further partnerships
with other public institutions."
