UPDATE: Just hours after being fired “for cause,” former Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) Director Alexandra “Sasha” Suda has filed a lawsuit against the museum today, November 10, 2023, alleging unlawful termination and violations of her employment agreement. This lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Suda and the museum’s board.
In an urgent claim, Suda argues that her termination was unjust and orchestrated by a “small, corrupt faction” within the museum’s board. She alleges that an external investigation, which prompted her dismissal, was a “sham” intended to remove her from her position. Suda is seeking $2 million in severance and damages, claiming she was let go while negotiating her exit.
The lawsuit reveals that PhAM’s executive committee commissioned an external investigation that, according to Suda, unfairly targeted her leadership. In her complaint, Suda contends that she was dismissed amidst negotiations over her severance package, which she claims would have unfairly restricted her ability to defend her reputation publicly. The museum allegedly offered her only six months of severance pay instead of the two years promised in her original contract.
Critically, Suda, a Canadian citizen, asserts that the museum’s actions jeopardized her immigration status. The proposed severance would leave her without an official income source, complicating her Green Card application and requiring her to exit the U.S. within 60 days.
“Suda seeks to hold the Museum accountable for its bad faith, its unlawful termination, and its deliberate effort to destroy her career and reputation,” the lawsuit states.
PhAM has responded to the lawsuit, asserting in a statement that they believe the complaint is “without merit” but declined to provide further comments. Meanwhile, Suda’s legal team has not yet addressed additional inquiries regarding the case.
Since taking the helm in 2022, Suda aimed to revitalize the museum’s culture and financial health, reducing its deficit by two-thirds and generating nearly $17 million in Fiscal Year 2025. However, her tenure was marked by tensions with board members, particularly Leslie Anne Miller and current chair Ellen Caplan, who she claims undermined her leadership through interference and exclusion from decision-making processes.
Despite achieving significant milestones, including the establishment of the museum’s Brind Center for African and African Diasporic Art and successful diversity initiatives, Suda alleges that board members regularly criticized her performance and undermined her authority. In the lead-up to her termination, a biased review of her leadership and a “secret meeting” among trustees ultimately culminated in her firing.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it raises serious questions about governance and accountability within cultural institutions. The art community is closely watching the developments, as Suda’s allegations could prompt broader discussions around leadership practices in nonprofit organizations.
Moving forward, Suda’s case is expected to draw attention not only for its legal implications but also for its potential impact on her career and the future of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
