WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has announced Michael S. Hollander of Chicago as the new chair of its 25-person commission, effective immediately. Hollander will lead the commission in its support of the Portrait Gallery’s mission of narrating the multifaceted story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped American culture. He will succeed Joseph P. Ujobai, who has served as chair since November 2016 and will remain on the board as a commissioner through April 2026. Hollander was appointed to the Portrait Gallery’s commission in 2021 and most recently served as chair of the Strategy and Finance Committee.
“We are delighted to welcome Michael Hollander as the new chair of the museum’s board,” said Kim Sajet, director, Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. “He assumes leadership at a key point in our campaign to further expand audiences across the United States and around the world. Mike’s business acumen, combined with his interest in history and portraiture, will be instrumental in guiding the institution into its next chapter.”
“I am honored to serve as chair and look forward to working alongside my colleagues on the commission as we continue to advance the Portrait Gallery’s important mission,” Hollander said. “The opportunity to serve this culturally significant institution that brings to life our national history is a true privilege and a passion of mine. With an eye towards the future, my fellow board members and I will focus on strategic initiatives that ensure the long-term success of the gallery and its exhibitions.”
As chair, Hollander will serve an initial three-year term and will provide advice and counsel to the museum’s commission and leadership on strategic planning, network development, acquisitions, commissions and fundraising. He will assume his role during the museum’s ongoing effort to raise $72.8 million as part of the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future campaign. This funding endeavor will support the museum’s 2030 Strategic Plan with resolutions to:
• Strengthen the museum’s endowment and generate new funding streams for the education, curatorial, history, conservation and exhibitions departments
• Endow leadership positions, including those of director, director of curatorial affairs, director of history and research, and director of audience engagement
• Develop a new Creative Content Center, where young people in particular can make and interpret portraits
• Reimagine the museum’s permanent third-floor galleries featuring portraits of modern and contemporary figures
• Reconcile the presentation of content in the museum’s “America’s Presidents” and “The Struggle for Justice” galleries
• Pursue new acquisitions and commissions to further diversify the museum’s collection and expand upon the many narratives that comprise the American story
Hollander is a managing director at GTCR, which he joined in 2008. Founded in 1980, GTCR is a leading private equity firm that has invested more than $25 billion in over 270 companies and currently manages $40 billion in equity capital. Previously, he worked at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, a New York-based private equity firm, and Fremont Partners, a private equity group located in San Francisco. He started his career in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Salomon Smith Barney. Hollander holds a Bachelor of Science in economics with concentrations in accounting and finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors and was a recipient of the Sol Feinstone Award.
Hollander is currently a director of Allspring Global Investments, CAPTRUST, R&T Deposit Solutions and Ultimus Fund Solutions. Previously, he was a director of past GTCR investments, including Callcredit, Optimal Blue, Premium Credit Limited and The Townsend Group.
In addition to his support of the National Portrait Gallery, Hollander is on the board of directors of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where he serves on the Audit and Risk Committee.
