Mary Shafer

Mary Shafer has a diverse work experience in various leadership roles. Mary started their career as an Account Executive at Laer Pearce & Associates, where they contributed to successful media campaigns. Mary then worked as an Account Supervisor at City of Hope, supporting development offices responsible for raising funds.

Mary later joined the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where they held multiple roles, including Director of Guest Relations, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, Youth & Family Programs Coordinator, and Media Relations Specialist. In these positions, they implemented various strategies to improve employee performance, launch online ticket sales, secure media impressions, and cultivate partnerships.

Mary also served as the Senior Vice President of Administration & Operations at the Great Lakes Science Center, overseeing various aspects of operations. Mary then joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as the Deputy Lead for Mars Public Engagement, where they directed daily operations and provided strategic oversight for education and outreach efforts.

Mary's next role was as the Director of Guest Experience Operations at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where they managed guest amenity projects and focused on increasing earned revenue. Mary then served as the Chief Experience Officer at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where they led a team in delivering engaging strategies and programs.

Currently, Mary is the Chief Operating Officer at Space Center Houston, where they were recruited to operationalize strategic plans and manage facilities and interpretive plans. Mary joined the organization just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mary Shafer attended El Toro High School in an unspecified time frame. After graduating from high school, they went on to enroll at California State University, Fullerton and earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications - Public Relations from 1989 to 1993.