Philadelphia Museum of Art dismisses chief of staff and CFO amid organizational changes.

In a significant shift within its leadership, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has announced the resignations of two senior staff members, further complicating the institution’s efforts to navigate recent challenges. Maggie Fairs, who served as Chief of Staff since her promotion in May 2023, will exit by the end of the month. Alongside her, Chief Financial Officer Valarie McDuffie will conclude her tenure this Friday. These departures come in the wake of a tumultuous period for the museum, precipitated by a series of organizational restructurings and leadership changes.

Fairs was initially brought on as Vice President of Communications, a role in which she was recognized for her extensive experience across North America and Europe. McDuffie, on the other hand, held various senior financial roles in the education sector prior to joining the museum. Her resignation follows the earlier dismissal of Paul Dien, the museum’s marketing head, in February 2023. Following Dien’s exit, the museum announced its decision to reverse plans for a controversial rebranding while retaining its new logo, a move that was met with mixed reactions from the community.

The museum is currently undergoing an organizational review, which may lead to further changes in its leadership structure. A spokesperson stated that no immediate departures are anticipated, but the possibility of additional adjustments looms as the institution seeks to stabilize its management team.

This wave of leadership changes follows the dismissal of former Director and CEO Sasha Suda, who left the museum in November 2022 under contentious circumstances. Suda has since filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, a case that is now set for arbitration.

In December 2022, new director Daniel H. Weiss emphasized the importance of fostering a transparent and accountable management style, expressing commitment to supporting the museum’s staff. He acknowledged that the evolving ambitions of the institution necessitate a careful assessment of how best to serve its needs in the future.

Amidst this backdrop of leadership instability, the museum recently appointed Katherine Anne Paul as its new curator of Indian and Himalayan art. Paul brings extensive expertise from her previous tenure at the Birmingham Museum of Art and has a history with the Philadelphia Museum, having served as assistant and associate curator of the same department earlier in her career. Weiss highlighted Paul’s scholarship and familiarity with the museum’s collection as significant assets moving forward.

As the Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks to redefine its strategic direction, it faces critical decisions that will shape its future leadership and institutional identity. The unfolding developments underscore the ongoing complexities faced by cultural institutions in adapting to both internal and external pressures.