Dismissed Philadelphia Art Museum Director Suda Files Lawsuit

UPDATE: Just hours after her shocking termination, Alexandra “Sasha” Suda has filed a lawsuit against the Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) today, November 10, 2023. The lawsuit alleges unlawful termination and multiple violations of her employment agreement, igniting a firestorm of controversy around the museum’s board actions.

Suda’s lawsuit follows the museum’s executive committee commissioning an external investigation that reportedly recommended her departure. She claims a “small, corrupt faction of the Board” orchestrated a “sham investigation” to force her resignation, alleging her termination was issued without valid basis.

The implications of this lawsuit are significant. Suda, who was in the midst of negotiations over her departure, states that she was wrongfully dismissed while she refused to sign a severance agreement that would limit her ability to defend her reputation and only grant her six months of severance pay instead of the two years promised in her contract.

Most alarmingly, Suda, a Canadian citizen, is now facing potential deportation, as the museum’s proposal for her severance reportedly leaves her without an income source to qualify for a Green Card. She could be forced to exit the U.S. within 60 days, a dire situation for her family, including children in elementary school.

In an official statement, a museum spokesperson remarked, “The Art Museum is aware of the recently filed complaint against the museum, and we believe it is without merit.” However, the board’s actions during Suda’s tenure raise serious questions. Despite her efforts to transform the museum’s culture and financial health, including reducing its deficit by two-thirds and bringing in nearly $17 million in Fiscal Year 2025, Suda faced persistent board resistance.

The lawsuit outlines a troubling pattern of interference from board members, especially former Chair Leslie Anne Miller and current Chair Ellen Caplan. Suda claims Miller undermined her authority, making unauthorized decisions and verbally abusing her in front of staff. Following Miller’s exit, Suda alleges that Caplan continued this trend, disparaging staff and failing to address complaints against board members.

Suda’s suit notes that after a vote of confidence supporting her leadership, Caplan allegedly mischaracterized Suda’s approved spending, portraying it as self-serving and prompting a second vote that resulted in her termination. Despite an external law firm’s findings of no actual misconduct, Suda claims they falsely labeled her financially irresponsible.

In her lawsuit, Suda is demanding a jury trial to recover the severance pay she believes she is rightfully owed, as well as additional damages for the alleged harm to her career and reputation. This developing situation is poised to have lasting repercussions for the Philadelphia Art Museum and its governance.

As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on the museum and its board’s future. The ramifications could affect not only Suda’s career but also the institution’s integrity and its relationship with the community it serves.

Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent story develops.