Kim Sajet steps down as director of the National Portrait Gallery

Kim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery since 2013, tendered her resignation June 16. Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, will serve as interim director of the museum until a replacement is found.

Kim Sajat, Director, National Portrait Gallery (Photo by Wendy Concannon)

Sajet’s announcement comes in the wake of an Executive Order from the current administration in which President Trump announced he was firing her. Although the Executive Branch has no authority to hire or fire Smithsonian personnel, Sajet decided to step down anyway in an effort to shield the Institution from controversy.

In a statement Sajet said,

It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.  This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one. From the very beginning, my guiding principle has been to put the museum first. Today, I believe that stepping aside is the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart. The role of a museum director has never been about one individual—it is a shared mission, driven by the passion, creativity, and dedication of an extraordinary team.

 

Together, we have worked to tell a fuller, more American story—one that fosters connection, reflection, and understanding. I am profoundly grateful to my colleagues, our supporters, and the public for their trust, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. It has been a true privilege to lead this remarkable institution, and I will always remain its steadfast champion.

Born in Nigeria, raised in Australia and a citizen of the Netherlands, Sajet brought a global perspective to the position. She has earned a doctorate in liberal studies from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in art history from Bryn Mawr College, a master’s degree in business administration from Melbourne University Business School in Australia, a bachelor’s degree in art history from Melbourne University and a graduate diploma in museum studies from Deakin University in Australia. She has completed arts leadership training at the Harvard Business School, the Getty Institute and National Arts Strategies.

Before joining the Smithsonian, Sajet was the president and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Philadelphia, from 2007 to 2013. Before that she was senior vice president and deputy director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for seven years. From 1998 until 2001, Sajet served as director of corporate relations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and she served first as curator and then the director of two Australian art museums from 1989 until 1995.

“We are grateful to Kim for leading the National Portrait Gallery with passion and creativity for 12 years, said Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch. “Throughout her tenure, she has reimagined and reshaped the impact and storytelling of portraiture.

“Kim made lasting contributions to the Institution, including the expansion of the national collection with key acquisitions—such as the earliest known daguerreotype of First Lady Dolley Madison, dating back to 1846,” Bunch continued.  “She led groundbreaking exhibitions and launched a national touring exhibition program that brought the art of portraiture and American history to communities across the country. Innovative public programs, including the museum’s first Dance Company in Residence and the PORTRAITS podcast she hosted, provided more ways for the public to engage with the museum.

“In 2015, Kim founded the Portrait of a Nation Awards, which elevated the profile of portraiture and helped strengthen the museum’s financial foundation. Under her leadership, the museum grew its endowment and increased annual contributions, enabling the Portrait Gallery to expand its reach and deliver ambitious, nationally impactful programs.

“Once again, we thank Kim for her service. Her decision to put the museum first is to be applauded and appreciated. I know this was not an easy decision. She put the needs of the Institution above her own, and for that we thank her,” Bunch concluded.

Under Secretary for Museums and Culture Kevin Gover will serve as interim director of the National Portrait Gallery, effective immediately.