The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sean M. Healey. Sean served on the Board of Trustees beginning in 2002 and as Co-Chair with Sam Byrne from 2011-2018. In addition, Sean sat on the Executive Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance Committee. During his tenure, PEM grew greatly in size and in international reputation.

We are deeply grateful for the impact Sean had on the development of PEM. His bold vision, coupled with his ability to see the strategic road forward, contributed to his exceptional leadership guidance. Sean's profound intellectual curiosity motivated him to travel with PEM to Asia, to Art Basel in Miami, and to art fairs in Europe. His love of contemporary art solidified his close relationship with PEM Curator Trevor Smith. Sean's ideas were instrumental in the establishment of the museum's contemporary art program, a program that is flourishing today.

Sean's generosity had a significant impact on the museum. Inspired by his leadership, AMG supported PEM's corporate partnership program as well as the annual gala and sponsored several exhibitions over the past 15 years. In 2017, Sean named the Asian Export Art Gallery in PEM's new wing: the Sean M. Healey Gallery. The gallery was awarded a 2020 Award of Excellence from the Association of Art Museum Curators.

Sean was a close friend to many in the PEM community and his zest for life will be truly missed, along with his strength of vision, and personal courage.