Stanford, CA–James Gaddy has accepted the position of Deputy Director for Operations at the Cantor Arts Center, beginning May 14. Gaddy, who most recently served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Administration at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA), will be a key member of the senior leadership team reporting to Susan Dackerman, the Cantor’s John & Jill Freidenrich Director.

“With his wealth of experience and approachable personality, James will enhance our culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and teamwork,” Dackerman said.

At the Cantor, Gaddy will be responsible for overall administrative management of the museum including day-to-day operations.  Along with managing strategic objectives and organizational initiatives, Gaddy also will oversee many departments including security, facilities, the café, visitor services, finance, collections, and exhibitions. He will work closely with Stanford’s Office of the Vice President for the Arts on finances and human resources. 

At PAFA, Gaddy was instrumental in diversifying revenue streams and developing and directing human resource policies and activities. He also supported the organization’s customer service goals through the management of the visitor services, group tours, and security departments.

 “I am thrilled to join the Cantor at this pivotal moment in its history,” Gaddy said. “The museum and its staff are a valuable part of the arts program at Stanford, and I look forward to working with the team on efforts that align with the innovative and multidisciplinary culture of the community. In particular, I am thrilled to partner with and support Susan as she develops new strategies for a 21st-century Cantor Arts Center."

 Before joining PAFA, Gaddy had senior roles with both the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and with the Vanguard Group. 

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
Founded when the university opened in 1891, the museum was expanded and renamed in 1999 for lead donors Iris and B. Gerald Cantor. The Cantor’s collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 38,000 works of art. Ranging from classical antiquities to contemporary works, the Cantor’s holdings include the largest collection of sculptures by renowned master Auguste Rodin in an American museum.  With 24 galleries and more than 15 special exhibitions each year, the Cantor is one of the most visited university art museums in the country and is an established resource for teaching and research on campus.  Free admission, tours, lectures, and family activities help the museum attract visitors from Stanford’s academic community, the San Francisco Bay Area, and from around the world.