Alexis M. Sandler Appointed Frick General Counsel
New York (October 24, 2022) — The Frick Collection announces the appointment of Alexis M. Sandler as its general counsel. Alexis will serve as the principal legal officer for the museum and Frick Art Reference Library, with overall responsibility for the leadership of the Frick’s legal function. Reporting to the Director, she will provide legal counsel to the full senior leadership team, the Board of Trustees, and other members of the museum staff on a broad and diverse range of matters. The search was conducted by Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world’s premier legal search firm, and the process was led by Melba Hughes, partner, executive director, and national in-house diversity practice leader; Sheri Michaels, partner; and Tyler Myers, director, along with MLA’s In-House Counsel Recruiting Group.
Sandler most recently served as vice president and general counsel for Pace University. Prior to this role, she spent nearly a decade with The Museum of Modern Art, most recently as associate general counsel. Her work also informed its affiliated contemporary art museum, MoMA PS1, where she was secretary of the board. Previously, Sandler served as general counsel for the Museum of American Finance and director of business and legal affairs for a division of the Fox Entertainment Group. She began her legal career as an associate with both Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and Hogan & Hartson LLP (now Hogan Lovells) in Los Angeles. Sandler earned her M.A. in Museum Studies from New York University, her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law, and her A.B. from Harvard College.
Comments Ian Wardropper, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director of The Frick Collection, “We look forward to welcoming Alexis aboard the staff of the Frick, where her legal experience in arts, entertainment, and educational organizations will prove invaluable. At a pivotal moment for the institution, she will offer a critical voice as a member of our leadership as we navigate the conclusion of our current capital project and building renovation. Alexis understands and appreciates the core values and mission of the Frick well, having repeatedly found Inspiration within our galleries since her first experience with a Frick education program many years ago. In getting to know Alexis through this search, it became clear to us that she thrives in a creative environment and will be an asset to ours."
Adds Melba Hughes, “Alexis’ breadth and diversity of legal experience will enable her to successfully support the continued transformation of the Frick. Her passion for art is a constant theme in her work and in her life.” Sheri Michaels continues, “Her cumulative experience—including a business affairs role for a large media company, as the general counsel for a major New York university, and her nine-plus-year career supporting The Museum of Modern Art—makes her the ideal general counsel for the Frick. We are confident that she will be a strategic and active member of their senior leadership team as well as an advisor to their Board.”