San Jose Museum of Art appoints Susan ‘Sayre’ Batton as director

Batton was previously deputy director for curatorial affairs at the museum, and has been interim director since Feb. 1.

In a statement, Hildy Shandell, president of the museum’s board of trustees, called Batton “a dynamic leader” who “will lead SJMA to continued and greater success in the coming years.”

In a phone interview, the new director said that “being part of museum leadership at bigger museums, with bigger budgets, working as a deputy director, working with boards of trustees” has prepared her for her new role.

In a text message follow-up, she added, “I am ready to be a director because of terrific mentors, including Ann Philbin at the Hammer and Christy MacLear at (the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s) Glass House, who taught by example.”

Founded in 1969 and housed first in a downtown library building, the San Jose museum was greatly expanded by a wing that was added in 1991.