The Smithsonian American Art Museum has reassigned director Stephanie Stebich to a senior advisory role in the Smithsonian Institute following staff complaints about her leadership style. The move comes after months of investigation by the board and mounting pressure from staff.
The decision was made following a letter from senior staff last year outlining their concerns. Complaints from employees included allegations of public rebukes, contradictory instructions and fostering rivalries. Stebich initially took indefinite medical leave but was later reassigned after the museum’s board of commissioners became aware of the extent of the issue.
Deputy director for museum content and outreach Jane Carpenter-Rock is now serving as acting director while the museum seeks to recruit a replacement for Stebich.
