International African American Museum Welcomes Sheila McDaniel as Chief Operating Officer

March 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: IAAM’s New Chief Operating Officer Sheila McDaniel

Contact: Paul Holston, Marketing & Communications Manager at [email protected]; IAAM Marketing Division at [email protected]. 

International African American Museum Welcomes Sheila McDaniel as Chief Operating Officer

Charleston, S.C. — Effective March 17, the International African American Museum (IAAM) is excited to announce the appointment of Sheila McDaniel as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). McDaniel brings over 30 years of extensive nonprofit management experience, including a proven track record of leading organizational performance, strategic planning, and operational excellence. She will play a pivotal role in ensuring the museum’s continued growth and success in its mission to share the untold stories of both the African American and African Diaspora journeys.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Sheila to the IAAM team,” said Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, IAAM’s President and CEO. “Her remarkable experience and leadership will be invaluable to IAAM as we continue to engage and inspire visitors from around the world. Her dedication to cultural institutions and her deep understanding of the importance of preserving and sharing African American history makes her the perfect fit for this role.”

McDaniel recently served as the Interim Executive Director to the Museum Association of New York (MANY). In 2020, she joined the National Gallery of Art, where she made history as the first Black woman to serve as Administrator/COO. During her tenure, she oversaw a division of 400 employees and managed a $120 million annual budget, leading teams critical to the museum’s operations and facilities. 

Prior to the National Gallery of Art, McDaniel served for 16 years as the Deputy Director, Finance and Operations at the Studio Museum in Harlem. There, she was instrumental in managing the capital project to build a new 80,000 square feet LEED Silver purpose-built museum home. She also led legal and financing efforts related to the project. Her earlier experience also includes serving as Associate Executive Director of Operations at the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Inc., where she contributed to the successful opening of Harvey Milk High School.

“I am honored to join the International African American Museum and contribute to its vital mission,” said McDaniel. “This museum is a powerful testament to the resilience and richness of African American history and culture. I look forward to working with the talented team at IAAM to ensure its continued success and impact.”

McDaniel’s commitment to the nonprofit sector extends beyond her professional roles. She currently serves on the boards of the Association of African American Museums and The Peale Community Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, and has previously served on the boards of ArtTable and The Bronx Council on the Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, and has completed coursework towards a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teachers College-Columbia University.
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About the International African American Museum 

The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey. Learn more at www.iaamuseum.org and follow IAAM on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, and LinkedIn.