Nancy Maasbach

Nancy Yao Maasbach is a prominent figure in the museum and cultural sector, known for her role as the President of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York City.12 She held this position from 2015 to 20232, during which time she played a significant role in shaping the museum's direction and initiatives.

Background and Career

Prior to her tenure at MOCA, Maasbach served as the executive director of the Yale-China Association.2 Her professional background is diverse, combining experiences in business, arts, and culture.3 This unique blend of skills has allowed her to bring a multifaceted approach to her leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.

Achievements and Controversies

During her time at MOCA, Maasbach worked to redefine the museum's approach to preserving and presenting Chinese American history.4 However, her tenure was not without controversy. Some of the key issues that arose during her presidency include:

1. Gentrification concerns: Critics accused Maasbach of complacency toward gentrification in Chinatown.1

2. Funding controversies: There were allegations regarding the acceptance of funds related to a jail expansion project in Chinatown.1

3. Community relations: Maasbach faced criticism for her handling of protests and interactions with community members, particularly elderly protesters.1

Recent Developments

In a significant career move, Nancy Yao Maasbach has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Smithsonian Institution's forthcoming American Women's History Museum.1 This appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with some activists expressing concern based on the controversies surrounding her leadership at MOCA.1

Despite the controversies, Maasbach's experience in museum administration and her work in preserving Chinese American history have been recognized. In her new role at the Smithsonian, she will be responsible for developing the museum's collection, curating exhibitions, and creating educational resources.1