Trish Patton Joins Whitney Museum of American Art as Chief HR Officer

Trish Patton has stepped into the role of Chief Human Resource Officer at the Whitney Museum of American Art, one of the leading cultural institutions in the United States.

Patton brings extensive HR leadership experience. In this new role, she will spearhead HR policies, workforce initiatives, and strategic leadership programs to align with the museum’s commitment to supporting 20th- and 21st-century American art.

Throughout her career, Patton has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing HR functions, fostering leadership development, and building inclusive workplace cultures. Her expertise in talent strategy, succession planning, and workforce optimization has contributed to the success of globally recognized brands.

Trish Patton’s Career Highlights

She began her leadership journey at Saks Incorporated, specializing in recruitment, training, and diversity initiatives. Prior to her new role as CHRO, she was the Chief People Officer at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores (SFA) for over four years. At SFA, she played a critical role in leading large-scale HR transformations, overseeing talent development, and driving cultural initiatives across the luxury retail sector. Before her tenure at SFA, Patton spent nearly four years as Vice President of Human Resources at The Body Shop. Her career includes several senior HR leadership positions at Hudson’s Bay Company.  

Her appointment is expected to strengthen the Whitney Museum’s workforce strategy, ensuring a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking HR approach that supports both the institution’s employees and its mission to champion American art.