MINNEAPOLIS, MN.  – February 11, 2022 – Today, The Bakken Museum President & CEO, Michael Sanders, announced his departure. Sanders will bring his expertise in museum operations to the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) as their Chief Operations Officer (COO). Sanders has served as CEO of The Bakken Museum since 2015.

Sanders joined The Bakken Museum with 25 years of experience in visitor experience and operations planning. He served in leadership roles at science and natural history museums in Minnesota and across the United States.

“When I joined The Bakken Museum, the institution was in a period of major transition,” said Michael Sanders, “During my time, we have built on the robust foundation of the Museum’s 40-year history and reimagined the Museum’s future. As a result, I feel confident that the institution is now in a strong place to continue to grow and serve the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.”

During his tenure at The Bakken Museum, Sanders oversaw significant changes to the organization’s mission and operations. In 2016, under Sanders’ leadership, the board of directors approved a new mission and vision for the Museum. The new mission emphasizes the innovation process and the intersection of science and the humanities. This expanded focus is expressed across the Museum through new exhibits, an expanded STEM education curriculum, and public event series for adults, youth, and families.

From January to July 2020, The Bakken Museum undertook its second major renovation. Construction included updates to its most extensive exhibition gallery, a remodeled lobby for improved accessibility, and updated classrooms to deliver in-person and virtual programming better.

Sanders leaves the Museum with a carefully constructed 2022-2024 strategic plan and an expanded board of trustees.

“Michael’s impact on The Bakken Museum will have a long-lasting effect,” said The Bakken Museum Board of Directors Chair Brad Bakken, “We are grateful for his leadership as the museum has evolved to better serve the needs of modern visitors and learners.”

Board of directors Chair-Elect, Heather Walch, has been named as Interim President of the museum. An executive search is being conducted by Ballinger | Leafblad.

ABOUT 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 in Minneapolis, the Museum features a world-renowned collection of artifacts, exceptional education programs, exhibits exploring the wonders of invention, plant medicine, technology, and science, and the Florence Bakken Medicinal Garden. For more information, visit thebakken.org. Find @thebakkenmusem on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

PRESS CONTACT:

Laura Whittet
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Bakken Museum
whittet@thebakken.org | 612-446-3104