Buffalo AKG Art Museum Appoints New Co-Leaders

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, a prominent institution in contemporary and modern art, is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of two experienced internal leaders to guide its future. This strategic decision comes after a period of significant growth and transformation for the museum, highlighting a commitment to a dynamic leadership model.

Buffalo AKG Art Museum Ushers in New Era with Co-Leadership Appointments

In a pivotal announcement on July 24, 2026, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum revealed its strategic leadership restructuring following the departure of longtime director Janne Sirén in October. Cathleen Chaffee, who previously served as the museum’s chief curator, has been elevated to the role of artistic director. Concurrently, Jillian Jones, the former deputy director, will now assume the position of executive director. Both women are slated to commence their new responsibilities on November 1, marking a significant transition for the renowned Upstate New York institution.

Alice F. Jacobs, the esteemed president of the museum’s board, underscored the profound impact both individuals have had on the organization over the past twelve years. She emphasized that the decision to promote from within was a recognition of their exceptional talent and dedication. Jacobs articulated that this innovative co-leadership structure reflects the museum's evolution into a more intricate and sophisticated entity. This model is designed to align with a newly devised strategic plan, positioning the Buffalo AKG as a nimble, pioneering, and globally connected cultural hub, firmly rooted in artistic excellence and robust financial stability.

With a combined tenure of over three decades in the museum sector, including nearly twenty-five years at the Buffalo AKG, Jones and Chaffee bring a wealth of expertise to their new roles. Their collective experience was instrumental in navigating the museum through its highly successful $230 million expansion in 2023. This ambitious project, initiated under Sirén’s leadership, significantly bolstered the museum’s collection and endowment, leading to a record-breaking 340,000 visitors post-reopening.

Jones, a distinguished alumna with a Master of Arts in museum studies from George Washington University, joined the Buffalo AKG in 2015. Prior to her deputy director role since 2023, she excelled as the chief fundraising officer, spearheading the monumental campaign to secure the $230 million for the museum’s expansion. Her close collaboration with OMA architectural firm partner Shohei Shigematsu was crucial in the planning and design of the campus’s transformative overhaul. Jones expressed her profound privilege in serving as executive director during this transformative period, highlighting museums’ critical role in fostering curiosity, embracing complexity, and encouraging open dialogue.

Chaffee, holding a Ph.D. from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, and an M.A. from the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London, commenced her journey at the Buffalo AKG in 2014, following curatorial roles at prestigious institutions such as the Yale University Art Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. As the Charles Balbach chief curator since 2017, Chaffee is celebrated for organizing acclaimed exhibitions, including a traveling retrospective of Pop artist Marisol. She is also credited with the captivating installation of the museum’s permanent collection in its newly renovated spaces and the “awe-inducing” Clyfford Still exhibition in the new building, as lauded by ARTnews Senior Editor Alex Greenberger. Chaffee articulated her vision for the museum’s future, emphasizing its responsibility to continually surprise audiences through the artists it champions and the profound conversations their work inspires.

This innovative co-leadership structure at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum signifies a forward-thinking approach to institutional management in the arts. By entrusting its future to two proven and dedicated leaders from within, the museum is poised to navigate the complexities of the contemporary art world while fostering continued growth and engagement. This model not only leverages existing talent and institutional knowledge but also demonstrates a commitment to adaptive and collaborative leadership, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant and influential cultural beacon for generations to come. It serves as an inspiring example of how established institutions can evolve and thrive by embracing fresh perspectives and internal strengths.