Philadelphia Museum of Art names diversity director

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has appointed Alphonso Atkins Jr. as the Miller Worley deputy director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA), effective Aug. 16.
In this newly established position, Atkins will be responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive strategy to achieve the institution’s goals of becoming more inclusive and creating a more equitable workplace culture that better reflects the diversity of Philadelphia and the global communities that the museum serves. He will arrive from the University of South Carolina Upstate, where he is chief diversity officer and special assistant to the chancellor for equity and inclusion.
In Philadelphia, Atkins will play a leading role in developing and implementing policies to advance these values across all aspects of the museum’s work. A member of the senior management team, he will be central to decision-making relating to workforce development, the creation of a training program for staff and trustees that fosters a shared understanding of the value of diversity in the workplace, and the diversification of suppliers who provide the museum with goods and services.

Working with the other members of the museum’s senior leadership team, he will also play a strong role in the selection and presentation of educational offerings, special exhibitions, and the interpretation of the museum’s collection to ensure that these initiatives reflect the museum’s commitment to equity and inclusive excellence.
This new position has been endowed by Leslie Anne Miller, chair of the museum’s board of trustees, and her husband, Richard B. Worley. Atkins will report directly to Timothy Rub, the museum’s George D. Widener director and CEO.
“Our board of trustees recognizes the urgency and duty to respond to the racial and social inequities that are still embedded in museums and other public institutions, and it is committed to change,” said Miller. “We are delighted to have found in Alphonso a proven leader who possesses the knowledge and experience we need to fully deliver on these important goals.”

---

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.