Jessica Sharpe

Jessica Sharpe is a dynamic museum and cultural-sector leader with more than two decades of experience advancing audience engagement, visitor experience, earned revenue growth, and organizational strategy. As Chief Revenue & Engagement Officer at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), she oversees initiatives that strengthen visitor engagement, expand revenue opportunities, and deepen connections between PAFA, its audiences, and the broader community.

Sharpe is widely recognized for her expertise in visitor-centered strategy, operational excellence, membership growth, and revenue-generating programs. She believes that a deep understanding of audiences is fundamental to organizational success and that exceptional experiences drive both engagement and long-term sustainability.

Prior to joining PAFA, Sharpe spent more than 20 years at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she served in several leadership roles, including Deputy Director for Visitor Experience. In that role, she provided strategic oversight for audience strategy, membership, visitor services, analytics, retail, special events, and food and beverage operations, helping to create a cohesive and data-informed approach to visitor engagement and earned revenue.

In addition to her museum leadership experience, Sharpe has served as a consultant to cultural and historic organizations, including Michigan Central and the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation, guiding strategic planning, visitor experience development, operational frameworks, and community engagement initiatives.

Throughout her career, Sharpe has championed innovative approaches that build audience loyalty, strengthen institutional impact, and create meaningful experiences for visitors. At PAFA, she is committed to advancing the institution’s mission by connecting more people with American art, creativity, and lifelong learning.