In a significant move, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia has announced the appointment of Judia S. Jackson as the new deputy director for human resources and chief culture officer. This strategic appointment was made public on May 28, with Jackson officially stepping into her new role on May 12. Jackson, who brings over 20 years of experience in human resources, previously served as the chief people and culture officer at the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts.
The Barnes Foundation, known for its commitment to arts and education, sees this appointment as a step towards strengthening its organizational culture. Thom Collins, Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about Jackson joining the team. “I am delighted to welcome Judia to the Barnes. The work of the human resources department, which provides the support and training our staff and volunteers need to thrive and grow, is crucial,” Collins stated. He further added that he looks forward to working closely with Jackson to ensure that the Barnes remains a workplace that values its people and their well-being.
Jackson’s impressive career spans several high-profile organizations. Before her tenure at the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, she held senior HR roles at ADP, a leader in payroll and human resources management software, and at Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Her career also includes a foundational period in the HR department at Campbell’s Soup. Jackson’s academic credentials include an MBA and a BS in business management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee.
In her new role, Jackson is expected to leverage her extensive experience to foster an inclusive work environment and support the Barnes Foundation’s staff and volunteers. She expressed her excitement in a statement, saying, “I am inspired by the Barnes’s progressive vision and excellence in arts and education, and look forward to drawing on my spectrum of experience to support staff and volunteers, foster an inclusive work environment, and help the institution continue flourishing in the years to come.”
The Barnes Foundation has been undergoing several changes, as indicated by a report from ARTnews last summer, which revealed that the foundation had cut 12 positions, including curatorial and senior-level roles, in the first half of 2024. Among those dismissed was an art historian in the inaugural position of assistant curator for art of the African diaspora. The previous deputy director for human resources and chief diversity officer had also departed in September.
Jackson’s arrival marks a new chapter for the Barnes Foundation, one that emphasizes the importance of human resources and cultural inclusion in maintaining a thriving organizational environment. This move is expected to bolster the foundation’s commitment to its employees and volunteers, aligning with its mission of promoting excellence in arts and education.
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Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.culturetype.com/?p=118747. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.