Former Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, to Oversee the Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum Welcomes New Director
The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) has announced the appointment of Kim Sajet as its new director, effective from September 22. Sajet, an esteemed museum professional with a rich background in art curation and museum management, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Sajet's impressive career began at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where she held the position of director of corporate relations. She later served as president and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. In 2003, Sajet became the director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, a position she held for 12 years.
During her tenure at the Smithsonian, Sajet raised more than $85 million for the gallery's operations and endowment. Her leadership led to a doubling of museum attendance through her exhibitions and public programs. Under her guidance, major capital improvements were facilitated, including the reinstallation of the America's Presidents gallery.
Sajet's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion was evident in her work at the Smithsonian. Her support for these initiatives ultimately led to her departure from the gallery. However, her dedication to these values remains unwavering.
In addition to her work in museum management, Sajet is an elected member of several prestigious organisations. She is an elected member of the International Council of Museums, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Association of Art Museum Directors, serving on the board from 2021-25.
Sajet's current project is a book on early photography and the Civil War era carte-de-visite album by American social reformer Emily Howland. She also hosted the "Portraits" podcast, which was nominated for a Webby Award in 2025.
Andy Nunemaker, chairman of the MAM board of trustees, made a statement about Sajet's appointment: "Kim Sajet's passion for art, her commitment to diversity, and her entrepreneurial spirit make her the ideal choice to lead the Milwaukee Art Museum into the future."
Sajet expressed her enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial, culturally vibrant, and authentic atmosphere of Milwaukee and its art museum. She intends to expand the museum's commitment to living artists and explore educational opportunities from the art and design of the past.
With Sajet at the helm, the Milwaukee Art Museum is poised for an exciting future. Her extensive experience, dedication to art, and commitment to diversity and inclusion will undoubtedly contribute to the museum's continued success and growth.
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