Megan Whittaker Nesbit Appointed Next President/CEO of Philbrook Museum of Art

Philbrook Museum of Art announced today that after an intensive national search, its Board of Trustees voted unanimously to promote Megan Nesbit to the role of President and CEO.

“Over these past months, Megan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission,” says Philbrook Board of Trustees Chair, J.W. Craft. “We are confident that under Megan’s guidance, the Museum and Gardens will continue to thrive as a cultural cornerstone for our community and a home for excellence.”

For nearly two decades, Megan Whittaker Nesbit has been an influential voice in the cultural field, creating innovative programs and business models to grow audiences and diversify earned and contributed revenue streams. She joined Philbrook Museum of Art in 2017 and as Deputy Director of External Affairs has overseen the launch of a $50 million integrated capital campaign and the construction of a new programming building.

Nesbit served as Interim President/CEO during the exhaustive search after the departure of Scott Stulen. Prior to Philbrook, Nesbit was the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, securing a $10 million gift to establish an Innovation Fund for arts-based experimentation aimed at growing earned revenue. Nesbit holds an M.A. in Art History and Curatorial Studies.

“I can’t imagine a more exciting moment in our institution’s history to lead Philbrook,” says Nesbit. “A year from now, we’ll open the new Tandy Pavilion in the Gardens and mark the centennial of Route 66 and its enduring cultural impact on Oklahoma. In 2027 we’ll celebrate the 100th anniversary of Villa Philbrook. We can simultaneously reflect on what came before while looking ahead for future generations. ‘Magical’ is a word I hear all the time from people about the Philbrook experience. I couldn’t agree more. And the true source of that magic is the hardworking and endlessly creative people I get to work alongside every day from the boardroom to the galleries and everywhere in between. It’s the honor of my life. And we’re just getting started.”