Butler Institute of American Art names new executive director

Following a national search process, the Butler Institute of American Art has named Anastasia James its new Executive Director. The museum’s Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment during a special meeting on May 28.

James, a nationally recognized museum executive, curator, and cultural strategist, brings nearly two decades of leadership experience at museums and cultural institutions across the country. She currently serves as Director of Galleries & Public Art at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, where she oversees multiple exhibition spaces and a major public art program within Pittsburgh’s nationally recognized Cultural District.

The Butler Institute of American Art partnered with DSG Koya, an executive search firm with an exclusive focus on recruiting senior leaders to mission-driven organizations. Search Committee and Executive Committee members, led by Board Member Tom Humphries and Interim Executive Director Larry Jones, unanimously selected James for the leadership position.

Ryan Martino, president of the Butler Institute Board of Trustees, said James distinguished herself throughout the search process with her vision for the future of the museum and her understanding of the Butler’s historic role in American art.

“Anastasia stood out for her vision, collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of the important role museums play within their communities,” Martino said. “She brings exceptional experience in strategic planning, public engagement and institutional growth, while also recognizing and respecting the Butler’s extraordinary history and reputation.”

Under James’ leadership, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust expanded its public art initiatives, strengthened national partnerships and advanced accessibility and community engagement efforts.

Her career also includes leadership and curatorial roles with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, the Queens Museum, and the Andy Warhol Museum.

A native of Pittsburgh, James earned a Master of Arts degree in Curatorial Studies from Bard College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Museum Studies from Chatham College for Women.

James said she is honored to lead one of the nation’s most historically significant museums dedicated exclusively to American art. She will officially step into the role on July 13.

“Joining The Butler Institute of American Art as its next Executive Director is truly the opportunity of a lifetime,” James said. “The Butler is not only one of the most historically important museums dedicated to American art, it is also a deeply beloved institution that has shaped generations of artists, scholars, and visitors, myself included. I believe profoundly in the importance of museums as civic spaces—places where communities gather, where history and imagination meet, and where we can better understand ourselves and one another through art.”

James succeeds Dr. Lou Zona, who led the Butler for more than four decades and helped transform the museum into an internationally recognized institution. During his tenure, the Butler expanded its permanent collection, strengthened educational programming and solidified its standing as one of the foremost authorities on American art.

The Board of Trustees expressed its appreciation to Zona for his decades of visionary leadership and continued service to the institution as Director Emeritus.

The Board also thanked Larry Jones for his leadership as Interim Director during the transition process.