Dismissed Philadelphia Art Museum Director Files Urgent Lawsuit

UPDATE: Just hours after her termination, former Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) Director Alexandra “Sasha” Suda has filed a lawsuit alleging unlawful termination and multiple violations of her employment agreement. The lawsuit, submitted today, November 10, 2023, comes amid a backdrop of shocking developments following an external investigation that led to her dismissal.

Suda claims her termination was executed “for cause” without valid justification, stating she was forced out while negotiating severance terms. The lawsuit reveals that PhAM attempted to offer her a mere six months of severance pay, drastically lower than the two years promised in her five-year contract. Additionally, the proposed severance would jeopardize her immigration status as a Canadian citizen, leaving her with just 60 days to exit the country where her family resides.

The lawsuit accuses a “small, corrupt faction of the Board” of orchestrating a “sham investigation” to remove her, alleging that board members including Leslie Anne Miller, Ellen Caplan, and Osagie Imasogie undermined her leadership. Suda details her efforts to transform the museum, which included reducing its deficit by two-thirds and generating nearly $17 million in fiscal revenue for 2025.

Despite these successes, Suda claims she faced board resistance at nearly every turn. The suit highlights how her initiatives for diversity and cultural programming were met with hostility from board members. In a particularly troubling account, Suda alleges that Miller verbally abused her and made unauthorized decisions, while Caplan’s leadership was no less contentious, with accusations of bias and refusal to investigate staff complaints.

Suda seeks a jury trial to recover the severance pay and damages, emphasizing the detrimental impact of her termination on her career and reputation. The museum has responded, stating through a spokesperson that they believe the lawsuit is “without merit” but have not commented further on the accusations.

The unfolding situation at PhAM underscores the complexities of leadership within cultural institutions and the potential ramifications of board dynamics. As Suda battles for her rights, the art community watches closely, anticipating the implications of this legal confrontation.

The lawsuit’s implications extend beyond just one individual; it raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and the treatment of leaders in the arts sector. As developments continue to emerge, Suda’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those striving to innovate and lead in the cultural landscape.

Stay tuned as we provide updates on this developing situation.