The Westmoreland names Silvia Filippini-Fantoni as new director and CEO

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art has named Silvia Filippini-Fantoni as its new Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO, effective in August.

Filippini-Fantoni comes to The Westmoreland from The Newark Museum of Art in New Jersey, where she is deputy director of learning and engagement.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that this institution continues to be a vibrant space for exploration and dialogue,” Filippini-Fantoni said. “I look forward to working closely with the talented team at The Westmoreland and engaging the community through meaningful partnerships.

“We will continue to celebrate the diversity of American art and create transformative experiences that resonate with visitors of all backgrounds,” she said.

At The Newark Museum of Art, Filippini-Fantoni has implemented technology-based participatory and immersive experiences and worked to strengthen the museum’s community ties by fostering partnerships with local organizations, businesses and artists, resulting in a 30% increase in visitor diversity.

She previously held senior positions at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh and the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, where she spearheaded the development of interpretive experiences, programs and audience research initiatives.

She also worked with the British Museum in London and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and collaborated on award-winning projects with the Tate Modern in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

A native of Bergamo, Italy, Filippini-Fantoni has a history degree from the University of Milan and a Ph.D. in aesthetics and art sciences from The Sorbonne in Paris. In 2020, she was named one of the Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers by blooloop.com, a worldwide news source for visitor attractions professionals.

“She brings a wealth of experience to the role from past positions at other museums, and we look forward to the strong leadership she will provide for our organization as we look ahead to the future,” said Helene Conway-Long, president of the Greensburg museum’s board of trustees.

Filippini-Fantoni succeeds Anne Kraybill. Kraybill came to The Westmoreland in 2018 from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. She left in 2022 to become director/chief executive officer of the Wichita (Kan.) Art Museum.

Suzanne Wright, the museum’s chief operating officer, has been at the helm at The Westmoreland in the interim. Chief advancement officer Rhonda Madden has served as interim deputy director.

“Silvia is joining The Westmoreland at a time of increased creative momentum and success. Given her experience, we are excited about the leadership she will bring to our team,” Madden said.