The Philadelphia Art Museum (PhAM) is currently embroiled in a legal battle following the termination of former Director and CEO Alexandra “Sasha” Suda. Suda filed a complaint alleging unlawful termination, prompting the museum to counter with accusations of misappropriation of museum funds.
In response to Suda’s lawsuit, PhAM has filed a petition to move the conflict to arbitration, away from the courts. This decision came shortly after the announcement of Daniel Weiss, former leader of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as the new director and CEO of PhAM.
Suda’s complaint claimed that a faction of the museum board had conducted a “sham investigation” into her expenses, leading to her resignation recommendation. However, the museum’s motion alleges that Suda awarded herself unauthorized salary increases between March 2024 and July 2025 without disclosure or approval.
In a statement to “Hyperallergic,” a PhAM spokesperson confirmed the petition filing and declined further comment. Suda’s lawyer, Luke Nikas, criticized the museum’s actions as an attempt to cover up misconduct and mistreatment of staff.
Suda is seeking two years of severance pay at her contracted salary rate, alleging wrongful dismissal. The museum argues that she was terminated for cause due to dishonesty, misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty, or fraud, as concluded by the external investigation.
The museum’s petition accuses Suda of awarding herself unauthorized pay increases and approving raises for other staff members without proper approval. Suda, on the other hand, maintains that her salary adjustments were transparent and approved by the finance department.
The museum’s executive committee unanimously voted to terminate Suda based on the investigation findings, offering her the option to resign voluntarily to avoid negative publicity. Additionally, a former PhAM employee, Latasha Harling, has been charged with theft after allegedly racking up personal expenses on a company credit card and failing to repay them.
Harling’s legal counsel declined to comment, and PhAM did not provide immediate response to inquiries regarding the matter. The ongoing legal disputes and controversies have created a tumultuous atmosphere at the Philadelphia Art Museum, raising questions about governance and financial integrity.
