By Ailis Wiggett
The Speed Art Museum named Kathleen Jameson as its new director during an event on Wednesday, Sept 9. The announcement comes before the Speed’s centennial anniversary to be celebrated next year.
Jameson previously worked as the CEO and president at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina from 2010 to 2017. Afterwards, she worked as executive director of the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania from 2018 to 2019.
The new director has previous ties to the Louisville area. Jameson got her Master’s in Art History from the University of Louisville in 1995. She worked as the Speed’s directorial intern and research assistant the same year.
Prominent Louisville community members attended the event. Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Congressman Morgan McGarvey all remarked on their approval of Jameson’s appointment.
From left to right: Mayor Craig Greenberg, Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Kathleen V. Jameson Congressman Morgan McGarvey and Senator Keturah J. Herron at the Speed Art Museum’s new director announcement event, Sept. 9, 2026. (Photo by Mel Banta / The Louisville Cardinal)
Jameson spoke of her new position at the Wednesday event.
“The centennial is an extraordinary opportunity not only to celebrate the Speed’s history, but also to think ambitiously about its future,” she said. “Museums are at their best when they bring art, ideas, and people together. I look forward to helping the Speed deepen those connections (…) and discover a sense of belonging.”
John Crockett, chair of the Speed Art Museum Board of Trustees, also spoke on Jameson’s qualifications.
“She understands museums from every angle, from scholarship and collections to fundraising, governance and community engagement,” said Crockett.
Crockett thanked the new director search committee for the “Time, thoughtfulness and collaboration they all brought to this process.”
Feature Photo by Mel Banta / The Louisville Cardinal
