MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – April 15, 2024 – The Bakken Museum President & CEO, Alissa Light, has announced her departure. Light will bring her considerable expertise in championing human rights and equity to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the statewide campaign to adopt the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment in partnership with Gender Justice Action. Alissa has served as President & CEO of The Bakken Museum since 2022.

Alissa joined The Bakken Museum after 15 years with Family Tree Clinic. In her time with the museum, she developed a passion and deep respect for the museum’s vision to awaken the innovator inside of each of us and the museum’s commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based STEM education.

“The Bakken Museum is a powerful gem bringing joy, curiosity, wonder, and STEM confidence across our communities,” said Light, “During my tenure, I have witnessed the profound impact of our hands-on STEM education programs, the joy and connection people experience in our one-of-a-kind museum, and the ripple impact The Bakken Museum has as a community connector and place of belonging.”

During her tenure at The Bakken Museum, Light oversaw the museum’s first-ever government relations strategy, resulting in two direct appropriations to the museum supporting interactive exhibits and museum experience as well as statewide STEM education and field trip programming. Light also worked to grow major giving programs and expanded The Bakken Museum’s external presence among many community partners and collaborators.

“Alissa's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and innovation elevated everyone she worked with,” said The Bakken Museum Board of Directors Chair Heather Walch. "As she embarks on her next adventure, we are grateful for our time together and know that her impact will continue to inspire us into the future.”

The Bakken Museum’s board of directors will establish a search committee to find Light’s successor.

About The Bakken Museum  

The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential of science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. Located on the West shore of Bde Maka Ska, the museum features interactive exhibits for all ages, a world-renowned collection of artifacts, and exceptional STEM education programs. For more information, visit thebakken.org. Find @thebakkenmusem on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

PRESS CONTACT:
Joe Imholte 
Executive Vice President 
imholte@thebakken.org | 612-446-3108