NEW YORK, NY.- The Guggenheim New York announces the appointment of Maria Kanakis Yang as Deputy Director of the museum. Yang will report directly to Melissa Chiu, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and will work closely with her along with colleagues across the museum to advance key institutional priorities, strengthen cross-departmental processes, operations, visitor experience, and strategic initiatives.
Yang brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in cultural institutions, with expertise spanning organizational strategy, institutional advancement, governance, and cross-functional collaboration. In this role, Yang will focus on ensuring the structures, resources, and collaboration needed to support the museum’s mission are as strong as possible. Her appointment comes as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation prepares to undertake a strategic planning process. Yang joins the museum on Monday, September 28, 2026
“Maria is an accomplished and deeply collaborative leader who understands how strong institutions are built through a shared sense of purpose,” says Melissa Chiu, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. “She has a strong track record in bringing together teams around ambitious institutional goals. Yang’s background in both museums and the performing arts will be enormously valuable to the museum as we undertake a new strategic plan and continue to engage new and younger audiences.”
“I am thrilled to join such an iconic and significant museum, especially during this exciting moment for the Guggenheim,” said Yang. “I have long admired the Guggenheim for the singular role it plays in New York City and in presenting the most compelling exhibition of art of our time to audiences. I look forward to working closely with Melissa and colleagues across the museum to build upon its extraordinary legacy, strengthen the ways we work together, and help shape the future of the institution.”
Yang most recently served as Acting President & CEO of the Seattle Symphony, where she was previously Chief Development and Project Officer. In that role, she oversaw fundraising for the Symphony and Benaroya Hall. She helped lead the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, including a major capital campaign to refresh the hall’s public-facing spaces and develop new audiences. During her tenure at the Seattle Symphony, Yang played a central role in the organization’s long-term planning and institutional growth.
