Buffalo AKG Art Museum will split leadership duties in two and promote internally for new directors

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is changing its leadership structure. Starting 1 November, the museum will move to a co-leadership model, splitting the duties previously held by a single director into two separate, equal positions. The board of trustees selected internal candidates to fill these new roles.

Chief curator Cathleen Chaffee will serve as the museum's artistic director, while deputy director Jillian Jones will step into the role of executive director. Both have worked at the Buffalo AKG for over a decade, rising through the ranks while managing significant institutional projects. Their appointments follow the departure of Janne Sirén, who held the director position for 13 years.

This decision marks a shift in how the institution manages its operations and curatorial mission. The board initiated this change to balance the complex financial, operational, and artistic demands of a major museum. By splitting the responsibilities, the museum aims to integrate these areas more effectively.

Jones and Chaffee have collaborated on major institutional milestones, including the museum's recent 230 million dollar campus expansion. As they move into these new positions, they intend to launch a five-year strategic plan to guide the next phase of the museum's growth. The board believes this model will provide a more stable and productive path for the organization, allowing leadership to divide the significant burdens of modern museum management.