Assembly Resolution No. 626

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

CONGRATULATING Marisa Wigglesworth upon the
occasion of stepping down as CEO and President of
the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature
Preserve after seven years of distinguished service
to this vital organization

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Marisa Wigglesworth upon the occasion of stepping down as
CEO and President of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature
Preserve after seven years of distinguished service to this vital
organization; and

WHEREAS, Marisa Wigglesworth earned her bachelor's degree from
Rutgers University and master's degree from New York University; and

WHEREAS, Marisa Wigglesworth began her distinguished career in
administration as the Chief Philanthropy Officer for Big Brothers Big
Sisters International, followed by Vice President at The Franklin
Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Senior Vice President and
Chief Philanthropy Officer at the National Aquarium in Baltimore,
Maryland; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2016, Marisa Wigglesworth became the President
and CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve, the
second woman to do so in its 162-year history; after officially stepping
down from this position in June of 2023, she will move to Colorado
Springs, Colorado, where she will serve as the next CEO of the United
States Olympic & Paralympic Museum; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Marisa Wigglesworth is responsible for
strategic and operational leadership of the Buffalo Museum of Science
and the 264-acre Tifft Nature Preserve; currently, she oversees a budget
of $5.4 million and leads a staff of 70 to welcome more than 200,000
annual visitors and program participants in service of the
organization's mission of inspiring joyful exploration of science and
nature; and

WHEREAS, Marisa Wigglesworth has a proven track record in the museum
and attraction industry, specializing in philanthropy, strategic and
project planning, and operations; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Marisa Wigglesworth is credited with
completing several major projects including the reopening of the Kellogg
Observatory, launching the renovation of the museum's north facade, and
securing funding to build an accessible trail at Tifft Nature Preserve;
and


WHEREAS, Marisa Wigglesworth also oversaw the development of the
2022-2026 strategic plan, led the museum through the COVID-19 pandemic,
and the opening of the exhibition "Golden Mummies of Egypt," a
world-class touring exhibition of Egyptological treasures; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Marisa Wigglesworth has led efforts to make
the museum more inviting and inclusive, leading to the Buffalo Museum of
Science to being a much stronger community partner, cultural and
community anchor institution; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Marisa Wigglesworth, the
Science Museum hosted activities surrounding a solar eclipse (maximum
eclipse equating to 72% coverage), the first to cross the continental
United States in nearly 100 years on August 21, 2017, and is now
preparing for a full solar eclipse (100%) scheduled for April 8, 2024;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Marisa Wigglesworth upon the occasion of stepping down as
CEO and President of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature
Preserve after seven years of distinguished service to this vital
organization, and to wish her continued success in all her future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Marisa Wigglesworth.