Hirshhorn Elects Two New Trustees to Continue Local and Global Expansion of the Museum’s Program
Dec. 18, 2018
Hirshhorn Elects Two New Trustees to Continue Local and Global Expansion of the Museum’s Program
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden announced today the recent election of two new trustees.
The addition of Sandra Masur of Washington, D.C. and Philippe Peress of Geneva, Switzerland, brings the total membership of the board to 34. Under Hirshhorn Director Melissa Chiu, the board has seen the most rapid growth in the museum’s history, with 29 new additions in the past four years alone.
“The addition of Sandra and Philippe represent our commitment to a strong board presence from Washington, D.C., as well as expanding our global reach,” said Board Chair Dan Sallick. “We are thrilled to add two new members who are both passionate collectors and dedicated to helping the Hirshhorn become a leading global museum.”
“The Hirshhorn is delighted to welcome Sandra and Philippe to the museum,” said Hirshhorn Director Melissa Chiu. “Sandra and Philippe’s steadfast, experienced, and inspired leadership will contribute new perspectives on the many ways we can continue to strengthen our collective successes.”
Peress was born in Montreal, Canada and graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1991 with a major in Economics. Settling in London shortly thereafter, his career in finance evolved rapidly within Banks and Asset Managers with him eventually becoming a senior partner at the Fortress Investment Group. Peress currently resides in Geneva, Switzerland where he oversees his family office.
Peress’ interests extend far beyond the world of finance. Over the last 20 years, he has developed a portfolio of luxury residential properties and built a world class contemporary and modern British art collection. Several of the works in Peress’ collection are displayed within the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and the Musée des Beaux Art of Montreal, where he also is a member of their Acquisition Committee for International Art. A major proponent of arts education, Peress often lends artworks within his collection to other prominent global museums. His interest in art has also led to numerous friendships with the artists and estates of the artists held within his collection.
Masur, a Chicago native residing in Washington, D.C., earned her MA from the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Masur went on to have a successful career as an international economist working in Congress as well as the US Treasury. Subsequently, she worked for Eastman Kodak Company and led the business coalition in favor of NAFTA. After ten years with Kodak, Masur moved on to the National Gallery of Art as the head of the Office for Corporate Relations. She was responsible for special exhibitions fundraising and raised millions in that capacity over five years. Over the past 15 years, Masur has pursued her passion for art. She has served on a number of boards involving the arts, assistance for families afflicted by cancer, and the education of low-income children, including the DC board of Posse which provides scholarships to outstanding urban youths.
About the Hirshhorn
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is the national museum of modern and contemporary art and a leading voice for 21st-century art and culture. Part of the Smithsonian, the Hirshhorn is located prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. With nearly 12,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed-media installations, works on paper and new-media works, its holdings encompass one of the most important collections of postwar American and European art in the world. The Hirshhorn presents diverse exhibitions and offers an array of public programs on the art of our time—free to all, 364 days
