Buffalo AKG Art Museum appoints co-leaders for its next chapter

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is moving into a new chapter with the appointment of internal leaders to head the organization. Effective November 1, Gillian Jones will serve as the museum’s new executive director, while Cathleen Chaffee takes on the role of artistic director. The board moved to adopt a co-leadership model to reflect the museum's expansion and its status as a major cultural institution.

Jones and Chaffee are long-time contributors to the museum with a combined experience of nearly 40 years of service at the Buffalo AKG. Jones previously served as the deputy director, and Chaffee held the position of chief curator. Their leadership roles are designed to build upon the momentum of a 230 million dollar capital campaign and the significant renovations completed in recent years.

This decision marks the end of an era for the museum, as the outgoing director, Janne Sirén, concludes his tenure on October 31 after more than 13 years at the helm. Sirén oversaw the institution's growth and international recognition during a period of transition that culminated in the museum’s rebranding and the unveiling of its expanded campus.

Board President Alice F. Jacobs noted that the board identified an opportunity to embrace a leadership model that matches the museum's current scale. Jones and Chaffee have worked closely with leadership to oversee the planning and execution of the museum's recent structural and operational changes. Both appointees expressed a commitment to continue the museum's focus on artistic excellence and community engagement as they step into their new responsibilities this fall.