Jason Zubatkin

Jason Zubatkin, managing principal at Zubatkin Owner Representation, has dedicated over 15 years to leading some of the most renowned and intricate museum projects across the United States.

Now a senior figure within Cumming Group, Zubatkin’s expertise in owner representation has facilitated groundbreaking work for institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Clark Art Institute.

Zubatkin excels at transforming complexity into clarity. Whether he is guiding delicate restorations or starting new projects, he ensures the institutional vision is achieved while keeping financial discipline, operational viability, and stakeholder alignment in check. His method is careful, thorough, and specifically suited to the cultural sector’s distinct challenges.

Throughout his career, Zubatkin has gained the confidence of museum boards, executive directors, architects, and city agencies. His leadership is characterised by discretion, clarity, and the skill to align long-term institutional goals with practical construction realities. He doesn’t seek headlines; he enables their creation.

Beyond delivering projects, Zubatkin influences the industry by mentoring and sharing expertise. He frequently speaks at events such as the MAAM Building Museums Symposium and actively helps shape the future of cultural capital projects to meet changing demands for sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

"Museums are among the most visible symbols of culture, yet those who make them possible are rarely in the spotlight. Jason Zubatkin has spent a career in the background, ensuring that institutions can grow, evolve, and endure," said one nominator. "It’s time to bring him into the light."