Michael Sanders

Michael Sanders has a diverse and extensive work experience in the museum industry. Michael is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Minneapolis Institute of Art since 2022. Prior to that, they were the President & CEO of The Bakken Museum from 2015 to 2022. During their tenure at The Bakken Museum, they achieved significant accomplishments, including securing over $16 million in contributed revenue and establishing the museum's first endowment. Before joining The Bakken Museum, they served as the Executive Director & COO of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium from 2014 to 2015. Michael also worked as the Director of Operations at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History from 2012 to 2014 and as the Manager of Public Operations at the Science Museum of Minnesota from 2002 to 2012.

Michael Sanders has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Michael also holds a Master's Degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education from Hamline University.