Marisa Wigglesworth
BUFFALO, NY– The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences (BSNS) Board of Managers today announced that the Society’s President and CEO, Marisa Wigglesworth, is leaving the organization to take on a new role with the U. S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, CO.
For nearly seven years, Wigglesworth has served as President and CEO with the BSNS, which manages the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve. Society Board Chair Keith Lukasik shared the Board’s collective appreciation for Wigglesworth’s leadership during her tenure.
“We are grateful for all that Marisa has brought to the organization and proud of what the Society has accomplished under her leadership,” said Lukasik. “From reopening the Kellogg Observatory to launching the renovation of the Museum’s north façade and securing funding that is allowing the Society to build an accessible trail at Tifft Nature Preserve, the impact of Marisa’s dedication and drive to promote the joyful exploration of science and nature is extensive.”
“I am honored to have had the privilege of leading an exceptional organization with a storied history and exciting future,” said Wigglesworth. “I am proud of the Society’s very talented and dedicated staff, and I have every confidence that the organization is well positioned to thrive after my departure.”
As CEO of the U. S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Wigglesworth will lead the growth of the immersive and universally accessible attraction that celebrates Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and promotes Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, as well as the Paralympic values of determination, equality, inspiration, and courage.
An avid runner and devoted sports fan, Wigglesworth explains, “When I was nine, I wanted to be in the Olympics and when I was 29, I wanted to work as a fundraiser for the Olympics. This was an opportunity that I just could not pass up. I’ve loved my time in Buffalo and have had truly wonderful experiences here. I am grateful to so many people in this region who have given me a fantastic western New York experience.”
Wigglesworth’s last day with the Society will be June 30. Society leadership will form a committee to conduct a national search to fill this vital role to the organization.
Society Deputy Director Kathy Leacock, who has worked with the BSNS for 20 years, will assume the role of interim CEO as the organization completes a search for a new leader. “We are fortunate to have someone of Kathy’s experience and ability able to lead the organization through this transition,” Lukasik explained. “Kathy has a deep knowledge of the Society, a love for its mission, and a sincere fondness for each visitor. The Board recognizes that she also has the managerial and leadership skill to take on this role.”
In her interim role, Leacock and BSNS leadership will work toward advancing the objectives of the Society’s 2022-2026 strategic plan, including serving a wider and more diverse audience, offering best-in-class science learning experiences for all ages, collaborating with diverse partners, and securing and maintaining the required talent and financial resources to ensure sustainability for the future.
###
ABOUT THE BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences manages the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve with the mission of inspiring joyful exploration of science and nature through engaging experiences, unique resources, and exceptional staff. Located in East Buffalo, the Buffalo Museum of Science inspires multigenerational learning through interactive science studios, exhibits, programming, and its extensive collection of more than 700,000 belongings, objects, and specimens. Tifft is a 264-acre urban wetland preserve on reclaimed former industrial land in South Buffalo and serves as the Museum’s “living collection”. The Preserve offers five miles of hiking trails free of charge year-round, as well as environmental education, stewardship, and outreach. Learn more at sciencebuff.org and tifft.org.
ABOUT THE U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers an immersive and universally accessible look into the journey of Team USA’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Through interactive exhibits, innovative displays and a comprehensive artifact collection, the Museum instills the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, as well as the Paralympic values of determination, equality, inspiration and courage in every visitor. It honors yesterday’s legends with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame while inspiring tomorrow’s legends through entertaining activities and events. The USOPM is more than a museum but a life-changing experience that will continue to educate and inspire the public to take part for generations to come.
