The Erie Art Museum has named Pam Masi as its interim executive director.

Masi recently worked as the executive director of the NWPA Red Cross, where she spent 12 years in the position.

She previously served as the vice president of communications and fundraising for the MS Society.

The Art Museum said Masi brings experience in creating special events and fundraisers that bring community stakeholders together.

Masi will start as interim executive director in early April. Until then, the Board of Directors will continue to work closely with the museum's employees.

“It was very important to us that we put a person in place who fits the current needs of the Art Museum,” said Andona Zacks-Jordan, president of the Museum's Board of Directors, in a statement. “Ms. Masi has the expertise to lead our team during this transitional phase. We are pleased she is on board.”

She replaces former executive director Joshua Helmer, who departed in January after an article published in the New York Times.

It detailed multiple allegations of misconduct against Helmer in his previous position with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and at least one allegation from an intern at the Erie Art Museum. The intern told the New York Times she faced retaliation from Helmer after declining a text messaged invitation to his "cool back deck" for coffee.

Helmer started at the Erie Art Museum in May 2018.