Marisa Wigglesworth Named CEO of US Olympic and Paralympic Museum

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum has named Marisa Wigglesworth its next chief executive officer.

Wigglesworth — who is currently the president and chief executive officer of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences — has experience in the museum and attraction industry, specializing in philanthropy, strategic and project planning and operations. She will begin her role in July.

“We’re thrilled Marisa has accepted the position and excited to welcome her to Olympic City USA,” said Andie Doyle, chair of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. “I’d also like to acknowledge both Pam Shockley-Zalabak and Phil Lane for their leadership over the last two years, ensuring our world-class attraction continues to share the stories of America’s greatest athletes with Team USA fans everywhere.”

In her current role, Wigglesworth is responsible for strategic and operational leadership of the Buffalo Museum of Science and the 264-acre Tifft Nature Preserve.

Prior to joining the Buffalo Society of Natural Science in 2016, Wigglesworth was senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. She also worked at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia as vice president of external affairs.

“I am excited and honored to play a role in highlighting and advancing the Olympic and Paralympic values and celebrating Team USA athletes,” Wigglesworth said. “The USOPM is an amazing facility, and I look forward to working with the community to continue to elevate the museum to its rightful place as one of our country’s leading visitor destinations.”

Wigglesworth takes over as chief executive officer from Shockley-Zalabak and Lane, who have served as acting chief executive officers since the summer of 2021.