News Summary
Kim Sajet is set to become the new executive director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, following a significant tenure at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Set to assume her role on September 22, Sajet aims to enhance community engagement and accessibility for diverse audiences. Her extensive experience and rich cultural background will guide her leadership as the museum prepares for the 50th anniversary of the Bradley Collection of Modern Art.
Milwaukee—Kim Sajet has been named the new executive director of the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM), set to officially take on her responsibilities on September 22, 2025. Sajet succeeds Marcelle Polednik, who stepped down from the role in July 2025 after fulfilling her duties at the museum.
Sajet joins MAM after a notable twelve-year tenure as the director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., where she significantly increased visitor engagement and spearheaded major improvements. Under her leadership, gallery attendance doubled, and she successfully raised over $85 million for the institution’s operations and endowment. One of her most prominent enhancements was the reinstallation of the President’s Gallery, which helped elevate the gallery’s profile. Her departure from the National Portrait Gallery came in June 2025 amid political upheaval, relating to an attempted dismissal by then-President Trump.
Andy Nunemaker, the chairman of the MAM board of trustees, highlighted the significance of attracting a leader of Sajet’s expertise, noting the museum’s esteemed reputation and exceptional collections as pivotal factors in her selection. Sajet’s diverse experience spans multiple prestigious institutions across the globe, including roles as the president and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and vice president and deputy director at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Additionally, she has worked as the director of corporate relations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and has held leadership roles in two museums in Australia.
Born in Nigeria to Dutch parents and raised in Australia, Sajet brings a unique perspective to her new role, informed by her rich cultural background. She holds impressive academic credentials—including a Bachelor of Arts and an MBA from Melbourne University, a Master of Arts in art history from Bryn Mawr College, and a doctorate in liberal studies from Georgetown University. Furthermore, she is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the International Council of Museums.
As she prepares to lead MAM, Sajet aims to deepen the museum’s connection with the local community, highlighting the importance of public engagement and the active presentation of its collection. She expressed enthusiasm about Milwaukee’s vibrant cultural scene and the possibilities for collaborating with contemporary artists. With the museum celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bradley Collection of Modern Art during her tenure, Sajet perceives her appointment as an exceptional opportunity to promote the museum’s vision and accessibility for diverse audiences.
Understanding the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to rising operational costs and revenue deficits that prompted a retrenching of staff at MAM, Sajet plans to focus on connecting with millennial and Gen Z audiences, striving to make the museum accessible to all. Her unique personal experiences will inform her approach to enhancing accessibility within the museum’s programming and offerings.
The executive search for Sajet’s replacement was facilitated by Russell Reynolds Associates, ensuring a thorough and careful selection process for this pivotal role within MAM. As the Milwaukee Art Museum embarks on this new chapter with Kim Sajet at the helm, stakeholders expect significant advances in public outreach, engagement, and innovative programming that resonate with both the museum’s long-standing tradition and its evolving community context.
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Additional Resources
- New York Times: Kim Sajet Takes Helm at Milwaukee Art Museum
- Washington Post: Kim Sajet Leaves Smithsonian for Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Director of Milwaukee Art Museum
- ARTnews: Kim Sajet Named Director at Milwaukee Art Museum
- Urban Milwaukee: New Director at Milwaukee Art Museum
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee Art Museum
- Google Search: Kim Sajet Milwaukee Art Museum
- Google Scholar: Kim Sajet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee Art Museum
- Google News: Kim Sajet
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
