Unveiling the Power Plays Behind a Museum's Leadership Turmoil
The Director's Account of Boardroom Maneuvers
In a recent candid discussion, the former head of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Sasha Suda, revealed the intricate power dynamics that preceded her termination. She recounted how the museum's governing body, specifically the former board chair, Leslie Anne Miller, initially proposed appointing her solely as director, withholding the Chief Executive Officer designation. This occurred despite Suda's previous tenure as both director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada, a detail she emphasized in her refusal of the initial offer.
Reclaiming the Executive Title: A Contentious Negotiation
Suda described a tense negotiation where she firmly rejected the board's limited offer, leveraging her prior experience to insist on the full dual role she had applied for. Her resolve ultimately led the board to reconsider, leading to a formal offer that included both director and CEO responsibilities. Her pointed retort—"You mean the one I applied for?"—underscores the friction that characterized her recruitment process.
The Museum's Stance Amidst Ongoing Legal Proceedings
A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Art Museum refrained from commenting on Suda's allegations, citing active litigation as the reason for their silence. This ongoing legal dispute began after Suda's abrupt termination in November, delivered via an email that vaguely referenced "cause" without specific details.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations: A Web of Disputes
Since her dismissal, both Suda and the museum's board have engaged in a public exchange of accusations. The board has accused Suda of misusing institutional funds for personal gain, an assertion Suda vehemently denies, labeling it a "sham." Conversely, Suda claims that certain trustees unfairly targeted her with an investigation, which the museum maintains was a legitimate inquiry into alleged "theft" of funds.
The Rebranding Controversy and Its Potential Impact
The extent to which a controversial rebranding initiative—changing the museum's name and introducing a new acronym—contributed to Suda's termination remains a subject of speculation. While some trustees reportedly criticized Suda for not adequately informing them of the rebrand, she disputed this in her interview. Reports from an anonymous journalist suggested that the rebrand was unlikely the primary cause of her dismissal.
The Unexplained Departure of the Chief Curator
The article also shed light on another opaque internal matter: the departure of chief curator Carlos Basualdo. Suda disclosed that she placed Basualdo on administrative leave in 2024, though she declined to specify the reasons. She expressed disappointment that the current board chair, Ellen Caplan, apparently failed to inform other board members about this significant decision, stating, "I didn't know I couldn't count on her to work the back channels."
Trustee Concerns and an Aborted Vote of No Confidence
Suda further alleged that at least one trustee was so incensed by the decision regarding Basualdo that he attempted to initiate a vote on her continued employment. However, this vote reportedly never materialized, indicating internal divisions and unresolved tensions within the museum's leadership.
Basualdo's Discreet Exit and Good Wishes
Through a representative, Carlos Basualdo offered a diplomatic statement regarding his departure from the Philadelphia Art Museum, describing it as "a great museum that will remain a great museum" and extending his best wishes to Sasha Suda. His new role is as director of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas.