Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Elects J. Tomilson Hill to Succeed William L. Mack as Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Board of Trustees announces today, effective as of November 1, the election of current Trustee J. Tomilson Hill to Chair of the Guggenheim Board of Trustees, succeeding William L. Mack who is being elected to Chair Emeritus after 16 years of service. At a meeting held October 4, 2021,  the Board confirmed this leadership transition and also elected poet, playwright, and essayist Claudia Rankine as a member of the Board of Trustees.

“It has been an immense honour to serve the Guggenheim as Chair over the last 16 years and I couldn’t be more pleased to see Tom stepping into this leadership role,” said Mack. “I am incredibly proud to have supported the foundation as we expanded our international presence, brought groundbreaking exhibitions and new artists’ voices to the museum, and continued to engage our audiences through innovative and exciting initiatives. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to be a trustee, working closely with Tom, and to welcome Claudia, and collaborate with our colleagues on the Board in the years to come.”

Hill said “it is an honour to take on this role at a time when institutions everywhere are undergoing great change. The Guggenheim is uniquely positioned for this moment, as it engages with audiences on both a local and international scale, championing the next generation of artists and leaders within the arts,” said Hill. “I am particularly interested in broadening access to arts education, especially for teens, and I look forward to integrating this work into my broader responsibilities as Chair. I am excited to continue my work with our Board President Wendy Fisher, Richard, and the trustees. I’d like to thank Bill for his many years of service to the Guggenheim and am very glad to welcome Claudia, whose engagement with international institutions to facilitate exhibitions and programs around issues of equity will be incredibly valuable.”

Rankine stated, “It’s truly an honor to be joining the Board of Trustees, serving a museum that has done so much for the advancement of both literary and visual culture. It is with great anticipation and excitement that I enter into the Guggenheim’s conversations in service of artists, writers, and community.”

“Bill’s service to the Board over the past 16 years has been essential to the growth and success of the museum and foundation. His tireless dedication to advancing the Guggenheim’s mission and vision, both within New York City and through our international constellation in Bilbao and Venice, and in Abu Dhabi, has been nothing short of inspirational” said Wendy Fisher, President, Board of Trustees, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. “I am looking forward to working alongside Tom, who not only brings his extensive leadership experience to this position, but also shares my great passion for art and its transformative power to build bridges and forge connections. We are also thrilled to welcome Claudia as a trustee. She has been a longtime friend of and collaborator with the Guggenheim. Her brilliant work as a literary artist will undoubtedly enrich and inspire our work at the Board level.”

“I am grateful to Bill for his leadership and sustained support of the Guggenheim,” said Richard Armstrong Director, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. “I anticipate working with Tom in his new role as board Chair, his business acumen, dedication to philanthropy and passion for the Guggenheim mission strongly recommend him. We also extend a warm welcome to Claudia, a visionary writer, thinker, and teacher, who will be a significant asset to the Board.”