BREAKING: Former Philadelphia Art Museum Director Alexandra “Sasha” Suda has just filed a lawsuit against the museum, alleging unlawful termination and breaches of her employment contract. The suit, submitted today, November 10, 2023, comes just days after her termination was confirmed by the museum’s executive committee, which commissioned an external investigation recommending her exit.
Suda’s lawsuit claims that her dismissal was not only baseless but also orchestrated by a “small, corrupt faction of the Board” that conducted a “sham investigation” to push her out. The former director argues that her termination, labeled “for cause,” occurred while she was in negotiations regarding her departure, which included unacceptable terms that would damage her reputation and significantly reduce her severance to just six months instead of the two years stated in her contract.
The implications of this lawsuit are severe. Suda, a Canadian citizen, faces the potential loss of her ability to remain in the United States, as her severance package would not provide sufficient income to qualify her for a Green Card. The complaint highlights that she could be forced to leave the country within 60 days, impacting her family, including her children who attend elementary school there.
A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Art Museum stated, “The Art Museum is aware of the recently filed complaint against the museum, and we believe it is without merit,” while adding that they would not comment further at this time. Meanwhile, Suda’s legal team is pressing for a jury trial, seeking compensation for damages and the full severance owed to her.
The lawsuit reveals a tumultuous working relationship and persistent board interference throughout Suda’s tenure, which began in 2022. Despite facing significant resistance, Suda managed to reduce the museum’s deficit by two-thirds, generate nearly $17 million in revenue for Fiscal Year 2025, and implement successful diversity programming, including the establishment of the Brind Center for African and African Diasporic Art.
However, Suda alleges that board members, particularly former Chair Leslie Anne Miller and current Chair Ellen Caplan, actively undermined her efforts. The suit describes instances of verbal abuse and exclusion from critical negotiations, which Suda claims contributed to an environment hostile to her leadership.
As these allegations unfold, Suda emphasizes that the museum’s leadership engaged in deceptive practices, including a biased review of her performance and the manipulation of votes regarding her leadership. Following a favorable vote of confidence from the board, a second vote was allegedly staged that resulted in her termination, further solidifying her claims of a concerted effort to remove her from her position.
The Philadelphia Art Museum now faces scrutiny not only over Suda’s claims but also over the broader implications of board governance and its treatment of female executives in leadership roles. As this story develops, Suda’s fight against the museum is not just about severance; it is also about accountability and the integrity of institutional practices.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent legal battle, as it could have lasting effects on the museum’s operations and its leadership structure.
