Open today from 10am - 5pm

Our Team

We Are Mopop

The Museum of Pop Culture is staffed by a team of passionate and committed individuals, breaking down siloes and bringing diverse communities together through the interconnected story of pop culture. We are fully committed to the experience of our guests and genuinely proud of the work that we do.

Are you looking to connect with a specific team member or department? Send us a note and we will work to put you in touch with them!

Executive Leadership

Michele Y. Smith
Chief Executive Officer


Michele Y. Smith, currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). Smith is a mission-focused leader with extensive experience in business development, operations, and finance in the nonprofit industry. Her people-centered leadership approach is the driving force behind her work at MOPOP which emphasizes a steadfast dedication to the democratization of philanthropy, the universal language of pop culture, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and mentorship of emerging leaders.  

Prior to her role at MOPOP, Michele served as the Chief Business & Financial Officer at the award-winning cultural institution, the Woodland Park Zoo, where she played a pivotal role in navigating the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dynamic, mission-focused approach resulted in unprecedented growth across various facets of the institution, including revenue, events, guest services, admissions, automation, and finance.

What is your first pop culture memory?

Attending The Michael Jackson Victory Tour – it was the only tour with all six Jackson Brothers.

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Jacob McMurray
Chief Collections + Exhibitions Officer
James Vegas
Vice President of Museum Operations + Government Affairs
Jennifer Chu
Chief Financial Officer
Jessica Lane
Director of Education and Programs
Nikki Carrido
VP of Marketing Strategy + Sponsorship
Toni Godwin Sells
Chief Business and Strategic Officer

Board of Directors

Paul G. Allen
MOPOP Founding Director in Memoriam
Jody Allen
MOPOP Founding Director and Board Chair
Shaunta Hyde
MOPOP Board President
Davina Inslee
MOPOP Board Secretary
Marjorie Thomas
MOPOP Board Treasurer
Jeremy Beasley
MOPOP Board Member
Tim Bierman
MOPOP Board Member
Dana Frank
MOPOP Board Member
Michelle Quisenberry
MOPOP Board Member
Benoni Tagoe
MOPOP Board Member
Janie L. Hendrix
MOPOP Board Member
Matthew Norman
MOPOP Board Member