DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC named Tamara McCaw as president in March following her service in the interim since June 2025. The longtime leader in nonprofit and arts sectors spoke with the Brooklyn Eagle about a successful BAM Ball in April, her community-based vision for the organization and her past work, which laid the foundation for her role as president of Brooklyn’s over 160-year-old cultural center.
Tamara McCaw. Photo: BAM
McCaw’s leadership skills are rooted in her passion for community-building. At The Shed, McCaw said shaping its future based on its history led to engaging its current community, leading to groundbreaking programming and institutional success. McCaw also credited her work in community organizations like the Fulton Area Business Alliance, business improvement districts and community boards.
As BAM recovers from pandemic-era struggles, McCaw remains confident in BAM’s mission because of her familiarity with the institution’s long history of resilience. “We’ve seen many things, and we’ve seen hard times,” McCaw said. “BAM started at the beginning of the Civil War, and those are difficult, hard times. BAM was a place that folks were able to convene. We don’t ever abdicate our responsibility to be that convening, gathering space.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
