Barnes Foundation Appointed Judia S. Jackson Head of Human Resources and Culture at Philadelphia Museum

Judia S. Jackson. | Courtesy Barnes Foundation

IN PHILADELPHIA, PA., the Barnes Foundation named Judia S. Jackson to the role of deputy director for human resources and chief culture officer. Jackson recently served as chief people and culture officer at Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. The Barnes appointment was announced May 28. Jackson officially started at the museum on May 12.

“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,” Barnes Foundation Executive Director and President Thom Collins said in the announcement. “I look forward to working closely with Judia to ensure that the Barnes remains a workplace that values its people and their well-being.”

“I look forward to working closely with Judia to ensure that the Barnes remains a workplace that values its people and their well-being.”
— Barnes Foundation Executive Director and President Thom Collins

Jackson brings two decades of HR experience to the Barnes Foundation. She spent nearly three years at Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (2022-24), and has also served in senior HR roles at ADP, the payroll and human resources management software company, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Earlier in her career, she worked in the HR department at Campbell’s Soup. Jackson earned MBA and BS (business management) degrees from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee.

In a statement, Jackson said: “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.” CT

FIND MORE Last summer, ARTnews reported the Barnes Foundation had cut 12 positions in the first six months of 2024, including curatorial and senior-level roles. An art historian in the inaugural position of assistant curator for art of the African diaspora was among those dismissed. The previous deputy director for human resources and chief diversity officer departed in September.

BOOKSHELF
The following volumes document exhibitions presented at the Barnes Foundation in recent years: “Mickalene Thomas: All About Love,” “William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision,” “Sue Williamson and Lebohang Kganye: Tell Me What You Remember,” and “Elijah Pierce’s America.”