NEW YORK, March 12, 2025 – Lee Ann Dillon, a distinguished legal executive and senior partner at Reed Smith LLP, was recently elected to the American Folk Art Museum’s Board of Trustees following a unanimous vote during its most recent meeting in February.
Prior to joining the AFAM Board of Trustees, Dillon served for more than two terms on the board of trustees at the Newark Museum of Art in New Jersey, having joined in 2017. During her tenure, Dillon was the chair of the Audit Committee, a member of the Governance Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee. Dillon also previously served on the board of the North Carolina Dance Theatre and the Tryon Center for Visual Arts. On those boards, Dillon was involved with the finance committees and also integral in fundraising for both non-profits. Dillon is also an avid collector of self-taught artists and African American artists, and predominantly collects paintings.
Elizabeth V. Warren, President of the Board of Trustees, commented: “Lee Ann’s years of experience as a trustee with other art and cultural organizations will be a critical asset in enhancing our Board’s governance capacity.”
Jason T. Busch, Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO, stated: “As a committed advocate of the arts and self-taught art in particular, Lee Ann’s passion is infectious and a welcome addition to AFAM’s Board of Trustees. Her expertise in legal and financial administration will provide invaluable insight that will be integral to the Museum’s future success and advancing AFAM’s mission.”
Lee Ann Dillon added: “I am extremely honored to join AFAM’s Board of Trustees and am excited to advance the Museum’s goals. I am a long admirer of AFAM’s collection, and its commitment to the work of self-taught and culturally diverse artists.”
Lee Ann Dillon has more than 35 years of experience as a legal executive and is currently a senior partner at Reed Smith LLP where she is the relationship partner for major global financial institutions. Her experience spans many areas, including syndicated and bilateral financing, cross-border, private wealth, LatAm financing, project financing, funds financing, and restructuring.
While at Reed Smith, Dillon served as chairperson of the firm’s women’s initiative from 2012 to 2018 and has been a mentor in the 30% Club. She is admitted to the North Carolina, South Carolina, and New York bars, and is a member of the bar associations in those states. She has consistently been ranked as one of the top 100 female lawyers in Latin America by Latinvex, as highly regarded in IFLR 1000 Global for New York banking, and is highly recommended by Latin Lawyer 250-Corporate and M&A.
Dillon received her bachelor’s degree from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and her law degree from Temple University School of Law.