Kristen Shepherd

Kristen Shepherd is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), where she leads one of the nation’s most historic art schools and museums at a pivotal moment in its 220-year history. A strategic and mission-driven leader, Kristen is recognized for her expertise in audience engagement, membership innovation, and institutional transformation, aligning artistic vision, community impact, and financial sustainability.

With more than 25 years of experience across the arts, cultural heritage, and nonprofit sectors, Kristen has guided organizations through ambitious change, strategic growth, and complex transitions. Her leadership centers on strengthening relevance and access—ensuring museums serve artists and communities while advancing long-term institutional health. She is widely respected for her collaborative approach, her ability to build and mentor high-performing teams, and her commitment to cultivating inclusive and dynamic cultural organizations.

Prior to joining PAFA, Kristen was Senior Consultant at Shepherd Lane + Associates, advising mission-based organizations nationwide on strategic planning, major initiatives, and leadership transitions. Her clients included the Honolulu Museum of Art, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and the Museum of Tolerance, among others, helping each deepen impact and amplify mission.

Earlier in her career, Kristen spent a decade at Sotheby's in roles spanning finance, strategic planning, and special projects before transitioning to museum leadership. She held senior positions at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where she reimagined membership and philanthropic programs, expanded community engagement, and fostered cross-institutional collaboration. Most recently, she served as Executive Director and CEO of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, where her transformational leadership strengthened financial sustainability, increased attendance and membership, and elevated the museum’s national profile.

Kristen holds a B.A. and M.A. degrees in the History of Art from George Washington University. She is an American Marshall Memorial Fellow and has contributed to the field through leadership and advisory roles with the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Museum Membership Conference, and the American Alliance of Museums. She is also a member of the International Women's Forum.