Guggenheim appointments include first Chief Culture & Inclusion Officer

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation has appointed Ty Woodfolk as the institution’s first Chief Culture and Inclusion Officer (CCIO) and Trish Jeffers as Deputy Director of Human Resources.

NEW YORK — Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, announced the appointment of Ty Woodfolk as the institution’s first Chief Culture and Inclusion Officer (CCIO) and Trish Jeffers as Deputy Director, Human Resources. Woodfolk and Jeffers will serve on the director’s executive leadership team as Deputy Directors of the museum and report to Armstrong. Both will begin their new roles on September 7.

Armstrong stated: “The creation of a head of culture and inclusion in tandem with naming a deputy director of human resources marks a positive shift in our leadership structure. The partnership between these two critical areas will guide us toward reshaping our workplace culture and creating an institution that’s welcoming to all. With his experience in overseeing diversity and inclusion initiatives in both arts and business, Ty will work across the institution to bring our DEAI commitment to life in all that we do. Trish is a proven leader who will provide a roadmap for an equitable human resources structure in line with the Guggenheim’s values. I look forward to working closely with Ty, Trish, our staff and the board to create meaningful change in our organization.”

Woodfolk comes to the Guggenheim from the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Chicago, Illinois, where he served as Director of Human Resources, Diversity, and Inclusion. As Chief Culture and Inclusion Officer at the Guggenheim, he will work with museum leadership and staff to foster an environment that supports the institution’s commitment to ensuring that policies and processes across the organization are fully aligned with DEAI principles and values. He will oversee the implementation of the Guggenheim’s Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion Action Plan. Woodfolk will partner with executive leadership to advance strategic thinking around employee culture and engagement and develop practices that create a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming work environment for all employees.

Prior to her appointment as Deputy Director, Human Resources, Jeffers held the position of Interim Director, Human Resources, at the Guggenheim. In her new role Jeffers will provide oversight and strategic direction to all human resource functions including talent management, organizational effectiveness, coaching, recruitment, compensation, benefits, and labor and employee relations. She will lead planning related to change-management strategies and build policies to champion an environment that promotes team building and effective cross-organizational communication and collaboration.

The Guggenheim Museum is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive professional environment for all staff and a welcoming experience for all visitors. With the publication of its DEAI Action Plan in August 2020, the Guggenheim pledged to create paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution by taking actionable steps in four key areas: staffing and culture; board diversification and governance; collections, exhibitions, research and publications; and audience engagement.

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