Former Philadelphia Art Museum Director Files Lawsuit Alleging Unlawful Termination
Less than a week after being terminated “for cause” from her position as the director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) via email, Alexandra “Sasha” Suda has taken legal action against the museum. In a lawsuit filed on November 10, Suda claims unlawful termination and multiple violations of her employment agreement. The lawsuit comes after an external investigation commissioned by PhAM’s executive committee of trustees recommended her departure from the museum.
The lawsuit, reviewed by Hyperallergic, accuses a “small, corrupt faction of the Board” of orchestrating a “sham investigation” and pressuring Suda to resign. Suda alleges that her termination “for cause” was unjustified and that she was dismissed while negotiating her departure terms because she refused to sign an agreement that would allow the museum to disparage her while prohibiting her from publicly discussing her departure or defending her reputation. Additionally, the museum offered her only six months of severance pay instead of the two years outlined in her contract.
Suda, a Canadian citizen, faces the urgent issue of receiving her severance package in January, leaving her with no income source to qualify for a Green Card, jeopardizing her ability to remain in the country with her family. The lawsuit demands the full two years of severance pay, along with damages and other relief.
In response to the lawsuit, a PhAM spokesperson stated that they believe the complaint is without merit and declined further comment. Suda’s legal team has not yet responded to inquiries from Hyperallergic.
Challenges Faced by Suda at PhAM
Despite Suda’s efforts to transform PhAM’s culture, programming, and financial health since 2022, she claims to have faced resistance and interference from the board, particularly from Board Chairs Leslie Anne Miller and Ellen Caplan, and Vice Chair Osagie Imasogie. The lawsuit outlines Suda’s accomplishments in reducing the museum’s deficit, increasing revenue, implementing diversity initiatives, and improving attendance and community engagement.
However, Suda also alleges instances of board members undermining her authority, making unauthorized decisions, and mistreating her. Miller reportedly excluded Suda from negotiations, while Caplan failed to address staff complaints against board members with whom she had personal relationships. Vice Chair Imasogie allegedly made disparaging remarks about Suda’s inability to work with certain board members.
Leading up to her termination, Caplan allegedly orchestrated a biased review of Suda’s leadership and conducted a secret vote of confidence with the executive committee, ultimately resulting in Suda’s dismissal. The museum’s external investigation into Suda’s expenses found no misconduct but still recommended her resignation, leading to her termination when she refused to sign revised severance and non-disparagement terms.
The lawsuit emphasizes Suda’s intention to hold the museum accountable for what she perceives as bad faith, unlawful termination, and an attempt to damage her career and reputation.
