The Philadelphia Museum of Art Welcomes Two New Members To its Senior Leadership Team

Valarie McDuffie, Chief Financial Officer, and Maggie Fairs, Vice President, Communications

Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, today announced two appointments to the senior leadership team: Valarie McDuffie as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Maggie Fairs as Vice President, Communications.

Valarie McDuffie brings over 20 years of experience as a finance and operations leader, along with a proven track-record of robust financial analysis to ensure sound operational and financial decision-making. Valarie is joining the PMA from The College of New Jersey, where she held similar roles as Interim Vice President of Finance and Treasurer and AVP for Finance and Budget Planning. Throughout her career she has held executive roles at Rutgers University and Temple University, including Director of the Temple Performing Arts Center.

Maggie Fairs is a communications leader with extensive global experience. She has worked across all areas of communications in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, managing integrated teams in the not-for-profit, corporate and agency sectors. She was a Senior Vice President with global communications firm Weber Shandwick and most recently was head of communications for a government funded program, Innovation Asset Collective, to help entrepreneurs protect and commercialize their innovation in the technology sector.

“As the Philadelphia Museum of Art builds a vital and creative team for the next PMA era, I am thrilled to welcome Valarie and Maggie.” said Sasha Suda, George D. Widener Director and CEO. “I am so impressed with Valarie’s passion for the role finance plays in the success of an arts organization. Maggie’s unwavering commitment to communicating complex issues inclusively and eloquently is exactly what PMA needs. These two colleagues reflect the future of the institution.”

Valarie’s first day will be June 5 and Maggie will join on May 30. 

About the Philadelphia Museum of Art

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art: [email protected].