BREAKING: The former CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Sasha Suda, has been accused of misappropriating funds and lying to cover her actions, according to a court filing submitted on November 4, 2023. This urgent update follows her termination from the museum earlier this month after a unanimous 12-0 board vote.
The museum’s court filing reveals shocking allegations that Suda awarded herself three unauthorized salary increases totaling $720,000 without board approval. Despite being informed that compensation changes required board consent, Suda allegedly acted unilaterally, securing two raises in 2024 and another in July 2025.
According to museum officials, Suda failed to disclose these increases to the board, fully aware they held “sole and absolute discretion” over her compensation. A special committee’s investigation reportedly revealed that Suda misrepresented her situation, claiming her subordinates had advised her she was entitled to the raises.
Suda, who was hired in 2022, has launched a legal battle against the museum, asserting her termination was unjust and driven by a “corrupt and unethical faction” within the board that opposed her modernization initiatives. Her attorney, Luke Nikas, vehemently denies the museum’s accusations, labeling them as recycled claims stemming from a flawed investigation aimed at justifying her dismissal.
In response to these allegations, the museum stated, “Suda has compounded this self-inflicted damage by filing a public complaint laden with false, dishonest, and irrelevant allegations.” They assert that her actions are a desperate attempt to deflect blame for her misconduct.
As the situation develops, the Philadelphia Art Museum has announced that Daniel Weiss will take over as CEO starting on December 1, 2023. This transition marks a significant shift in leadership amid the ongoing controversy.
Suda is seeking two years of severance pay, additional damages, and a jury trial as she continues to challenge her termination. The unfolding drama raises critical questions about governance and accountability in cultural institutions, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and adherence to established protocols.
As this story develops, it underscores the profound implications for the Philadelphia Art Museum’s future and its leadership’s integrity. Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking news story.
