MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Today, The Bakken Museum announced the organization’s next leader. Alissa Light will serve as President & CEO of the museum effective September 7, 2022.

Alissa joins The Bakken Museum with over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Recently, she completed a planned executive director succession, exiting her long-tenured role as Executive Director & CEO of Family Tree Clinic. During her tenure, she spearheaded an $8 million capital campaign to build an innovative, trauma-informed, healing-focused health center in the heart of Minneapolis. Alissa also supported and catalyzed significant organizational transformation, including expanding Family Tree into a regional leader in LGBTQ inclusive health care and integrated sexual health care in the Upper Midwest.

“The Bakken Museum deeply values and celebrates the iterative innovation process, which includes an openness to try, fail, learn, grow, and repeat. I see the ripple impact in our community from individuals tapping into system change thinking and their inherent adaptive spirits,” said Light. “The museum offers exceptional programs that are both joyful and impactful. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the talented team of staff and board of directors at this institution.”

Alissa’s expertise includes long-range planning, mission strategy, board governance, executive and leadership coaching and development, facilitating complex and collaborative decision-making, organizational assessments, fundraising, government relations, and organizational development. She believes in sharing power, deep collaboration, and high accountability.

Alissa serves on the Twin Cities Advisory Task Force for Macalester College and just completed her term as Board President of the Reproductive Health Alliance.

“The Bakken Museum is in a time of growth and evolution. In just the last five years, the museum has opened a fully renovated first floor, expanded education programs, and introduced new interactive exhibits,” said Board of Directors Chair Brad Bakken. “We believe strongly that Alissa is the right person to continue this growth path, providing a healthy future for the museum and inspiring experiences for even more individuals.”

Incoming Board of Directors Chair Heather Walch has served as Interim President & CEO since the departure of Michael Sanders in March of this year. Sanders served as CEO of The Bakken Museum for over six years. The executive search was conducted by Ballinger Leafblad and a committee of The Bakken Museum board of directors.

The Bakken Museum has been serving Minnesota since its founding in 1975. Located on the West shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, the museum originally served as a research institution focused on medical technology, health, and wellness. In 1998, the museum was renovated to expand its focus as a public museum and education center. Today, The Bakken Museum is home to an internationally renowned artifact collection, nationally recognized STEM education programs, and exhibits exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place.

The Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for 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 Twitter.

Alissa’s headshot, images of the museum, and b-roll can be found in the museum’s press hit here [thebakken.org/press-kit].

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Laura Whittet
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