Telfair Museums Seeks New Leader After Turbulent Year

Georgia's oldest public art museum aims to rebuild trust and recalibrate after staff turnover and declining donations.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia is facing financial struggles due to staff turnover and declining donations. The museum's board is now searching for its fifth leader in seven years, as it looks to rebuild trust in the community and recalibrate the institution. Despite the challenges, the board remains optimistic about the museum's future, with plans for new revenue opportunities and investments.

Why it matters

The Telfair Museums is a prominent cultural institution in Savannah, and its struggles reflect broader challenges facing museums across the nation. The museum's ability to navigate this transition and rebuild community trust will be crucial for its long-term sustainability and ability to fulfill its mission of providing art and educational experiences to the local community.

The details

In 2025, the Telfair faced a 'perfect storm' of issues, including the resignation of its longtime chief financial officer, the departure of its marketing director and other key staff, and a 15% staff reduction due to steep revenue losses. The museum's annual ball, a major fundraising event, has also been a source of internal dysfunction, with past executive directors having 'shouting matches' with top donors. The board is now focused on rebuilding the museum's fundraising capabilities, investing in new revenue opportunities, and conducting a thorough search for a new executive director who can provide strong leadership, staff management, and community relations.

  • In early 2025, the Telfair's marketing director, one of the few staff members of color, departed.
  • In the summer of 2025, the Telfair's longtime CFO Joey Rudder resigned to take a new job in Florida.
  • By Thanksgiving 2025, the Telfair's board faced hard decisions and announced layoffs in January 2026.
  • In February 2026, the Telfair's board chair Susan Willetts is serving as interim director while the executive search is underway.
  • The Telfair's annual ball is scheduled for this weekend (February 28, 2026).

The players

Susan Willetts

The Telfair board chair and interim director while the executive search is underway.

Lisa Grove

The Telfair's former executive director who put the museum on the national map for its pioneering research into Savannah's slave-owning past.

Ben Simons

The Telfair's former executive director who resigned shortly after having 'shouting matches' with top local donors at the 2024 annual ball.

David Brenneman

The Telfair's former director who stepped down in 2026 citing health reasons.

Joey Rudder

The Telfair's longtime chief financial officer who resigned in the summer of 2025 to take a new job in Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Is the Telfair in distress? No. We have amazing, dedicated staff. We have an engaged board. We have people across the community calling to ask how they can help.”

— Susan Willetts, Telfair board chair and interim director (thecurrentga.org)

“It's the peril of hiring from the outside. If you don't know Savannah, and if you think you know better than us, you are shooting yourself in the foot.”

— Anonymous former Telfair employee (thecurrentga.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.