Speed Art Museum Names Kathleen V. Jameson as New Director

Warren Whitney congratulates Kathleen V. Jameson, PhD, on being named Director of the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jameson joins the Speed at an important moment in the Museum’s history. Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum will celebrate its Centennial in 2027, marking 100 years of serving Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and visitors from beyond the region. She officially began her new role on September 8.

Jameson brings more than three decades of experience in museum leadership, curatorial work, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement. Her career has included leadership roles with the James A. Michener Art Museum, The Mint Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. She is also a scholar of American art and the history of photography.

The appointment is also a return to a familiar community. Jameson earned her master’s degree at the University of Louisville and worked alongside former Speed Art Museum Director Peter Morrin early in her career. She now returns to Louisville to lead the Museum as it prepares for its next century.

A National Search for the Speed’s Next Leader

The Speed Art Museum’s Board of Trustees retained Warren Whitney to lead the national search for its next Director. The search was guided by a 12-member Search Committee and led by Warren Whitney’s Meredith Handakas, who has more than 17 years of experience working with museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations across the country.

The search focused on identifying a leader who could bring together organizational leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and a clear understanding of the opportunities ahead for the Museum. As the Speed prepared for its Centennial, the role called for someone who could honor a nearly century-long legacy while helping shape what comes next.

Jameson’s background and connection to Louisville make her appointment especially meaningful at this point in the Museum’s history.

We are grateful to the Speed Art Museum and its Search Committee for the opportunity to be part of this leadership transition.

Congratulations to Kathleen V. Jameson and the entire Speed Art Museum community. We look forward to seeing what the Museum’s next chapter brings.