John Anderson

A leader in cultural attraction operations, organizational culture, and customer service, John Anderson brings almost 30 years’ experience to the International African American Museum. As Vice President of Administration and Chief Operating Officer, John is responsible for activating the Museum’s visitor experiences, building and site operations, organizational administration, and company culture.

John served as the Michigan Science Center’s Vice President of Administration and Chief Operating Officer from 2015 to 2021, including one year as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from 2018-2019.  John previously held multiple professional positions with the City of Detroit and Detroit Zoological Society.

John’s diverse operational background includes hospitality, sustainability, public programming & education, emergency management & facility security, information technology, physical plant operations, exhibit design, and capital planning & construction.  John has previously served as a human resources committee member for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and is an IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive. In 2015, John was recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense.  John is also a former Emergency Medical Technician and open water diver, who has enjoyed traveling to an underwater lodge in the Florida Keys and multiple photographic safaris to east Africa.