July 21st 2023.
Kenneth I. Chenault, a founding council member and current chair of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., is resigning after nearly 20 years of involvement with the museum. This comes after Chenault helped to secure the initial funding for the museum and guided it through challenging times, such as the government shutdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The museum's press release announced N. Anthony Coles as the successor to Chenault. Coles brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as vice chair of the museum's Advisory Council's Advancement Committee since 2017, as well as co-chairing the Living History Campaign with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan and actor, director, and producer LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Coles is a physician with a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins, a medical degree from Duke University, and a master's degree in public health from Harvard University.
“Kenneth Chenault’s inspirational and passionate leadership has charted a path for the museum since its inception, leaving a legacy for future generations of leaders and museum visitors,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the museum. “During his tenure as a member of the Advisory Council, Anthony Coles has skillfully guided the museum’s fundraising efforts through many challenges over the past several years. With Coles at the helm, he has been responsible for securing several significant gifts to the museum’s Living History Campaign, which has raised an impressive $262 million.”
Coles appears to be in a great position to continue Chenault's work while bringing his own perspective to the museum. His extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as his involvement with the board of trustees at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, make him an ideal candidate to take the reins of the museum.
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