Speed Art Museum Begins National Director Search Ahead of 2027 Centennial

The Speed Art Museum has initiated a nationwide search for a new director, a pivotal leadership role as the institution nears its 100th anniversary in 2027. This transition represents a critical opportunity to enhance the museum's influence locally in Louisville, across Kentucky, and nationally. To manage the search, the Museum's Board of Trustees has retained the executive search firm Warren Whitney. A 12-member Search Committee was established in January 2026 to oversee the process, with Board Chair John Crockett and Chair-Elect Deana Paradis serving as co-chairs. Meredith Handakas, a director at Warren Whitney, is spearheading the effort, bringing over 17 years of specialized experience in museum consulting. The search aims to find a leader who can build upon the museum's established legacy and expand its reach during its second century of operation.