TULSA, May 1, 2025—Philbrook Museum of Art announced today that after an intensive national search, its Board of Trustees voted unanimously to promote Megan Nesbit to the role of President and CEO.

“Over these past months, Megan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission,” says Philbrook Board of Trustees Chair, J.W. Craft. “We are confident that under Megan’s guidance, the Museum and Gardens will continue to thrive as a cultural cornerstone for our community and a home for excellence.”

For nearly two decades, Megan Whittaker Nesbit has been an influential voice in the cultural field, creating innovative programs and business models to grow audiences and diversify earned and contributed revenue streams. She joined Philbrook Museum of Art in 2017 and as Deputy Director of External Affairs has overseen the launch of a $50 million integrated capital campaign and the construction of a new programming building.

Nesbit served as Interim President/CEO during the exhaustive search after the departure of Scott Stulen. Prior to Philbrook, Nesbit was the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, securing a $10 million gift to establish an Innovation Fund for arts-based experimentation aimed at growing earned revenue. Nesbit holds an M.A. in Art History and Curatorial Studies.

“I can’t imagine a more exciting moment in our institution’s history to lead Philbrook,” says Nesbit. “A year from now, we’ll open the new Tandy Pavilion in the Gardens and mark the centennial of Route 66 and its enduring cultural impact on Oklahoma. In 2027 we’ll celebrate the 100th anniversary of Villa Philbrook. We can simultaneously reflect on what came before while looking ahead for future generations. ‘Magical’ is a word I hear all the time from people about the Philbrook experience. I couldn’t agree more. And the true source of that magic is the hardworking and endlessly creative people I get to work alongside every day from the boardroom to the galleries and everywhere in between. It’s the honor of my life. And we’re just getting started.”

Megan Whittaker Nesbit Extended Bio

Having worked in museums for nearly two decades, Megan Whittaker Nesbit is an influencer in the cultural field, creating innovative programs and business models to grow audiences and diversify earned and contributed revenue streams. She joined the Philbrook Museum of Art in 2017 as Director of Revenue, then became Deputy Director of External Affairs in 2019.

Nesbit launched a campaign in 2020 to address the immediate challenges of the pandemic, generating over $20,000 in support for local United Way relief efforts, $10,000 for local artists, and expanding partnerships to donate fresh produce to local food banks. She also secured critical emergency funding and bridge support, including $731,000 from the Mellon Foundation Art Museums Futures Fund.

During her tenure Nesbit has led growth in public programs, relaunching Philbrook Festival as a major holiday lights program that now welcomes 18,000 seasonal visitors, attracting audiences through new signature events like Art in Bloom and Wine & Hip Hop, and introducing informal platforms like PhilBark Dog Days.

While at Philbrook, Nesbit has expanded fundraising efforts to invest in the care of the collection, historic home, and gardens. She has secured $16 million toward new capital projects and maintenance for the historic Villa, including national funding for art storage renovation and a $10 million commitment toward the forthcoming Tandy Pavilion.

Prior to Philbrook, Nesbit was the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. While there she secured a $10 million endowed Innovation Fund to pilot major new offerings like Winterlights, a now million-dollar holiday program, and a $3M gift to renovate the Old Masters wing. Nesbit previously worked as an independent curator and as a fundraiser at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Nesbit holds an M.A. in Art History and Curatorial Studies with a focus in contemporary art.

About Philbrook Museum of Art

Philbrook Museum of Art is committed to being Tulsa’s most welcoming and engaging cultural institution, providing a unique trifecta of experiences: a historic home, world class art museum, and twenty-five acres of gardens.

Philbrook Museum of Art opened on October 25, 1939.

The addition of a 70,000 square foot wing in 1990 turned the historic home into a modern museum complex. A major garden renovation in 2004 cemented the Museum’s reputation as “the most beautiful place in Oklahoma.” 

Through bold action and strategic investment, we create a space for new ideas, diverse stories and perspectives, and social connection. The Philbrook Collection features more than 16,000 objects with a focus on American, Native American, and European art. Serving over 160,000 visitors annually, Philbrook shines a light on Tulsa’s storied and complex past while building a diverse and creative vision of the city’s future.

Media Contact:

Jeff Martin
Director of Communications
Philbrook Museum of Art
918.748.5352
jmartin@philbrook.org