Telfair Museums names Caitlín Doherty as new executive director

Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia, announced on August 18 the appointment of Caitlín Doherty as its new Executive Director. Doherty will begin the role in October 2026.

Doherty joins Telfair after ten years as Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, during which she doubled the institution's endowment, dramatically increased visitorship and community partnerships, expanded its collection, and revitalized its membership program. Under her leadership, MOCA celebrated its centenary in 2024 and achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.

Susan Willetts, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Interim Executive Director, said Doherty "clearly knows what it takes to build and run a great art museum, whether it be exhibitions, collections, finance or operations."

Doherty said joining Telfair comes at an important moment, as the museum celebrates the 140th anniversary of the Telfair Academy and the 20th anniversary of the Jepson Center.

Opened in 1886, Telfair Museums is the oldest public art museum in the South and the first U.S. museum founded by a woman. It comprises three sites: the Jepson Center for the Arts, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the Telfair Academy.