Welcoming New Foundation CEO Sarah Bush

In late 2024 the NMMNHF Board created a hiring committee to begin the search for a new CEO in anticipation of the retirement of CEO Abigail Eaton in May of 2025. The committee and Board are excited to announce new Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sarah Bush.

D’Nette Wood, Board Vice-Chair and head of the hiring committee expressed a warm welcome for the incoming CEO, saying “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sarah to the Museum Foundation. Her remarkable achievements throughout her career, from securing significant funding for impactful global health initiatives, to her impressive business revenue growth, speak volumes about her capabilities. Her experience in building strong teams, cultivating crucial partnerships, and driving ambitious fundraising campaigns is precisely what we need as we look towards a greater future for the Foundation."

“Sarah’s experience in Albuquerque as the Regional Vice President for Community Engagement at the American Cancer Society also provides her with valuable insight into our community and its philanthropic landscape. Her ability to engage diverse stakeholders and drive mission-focused outcomes will be invaluable as we deepen our connections and expand our impact.”

About New CEO Sarah Bush

Sarah Bush is an accomplished nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and community engagement. She began her career at The Field Museum in Chicago, where she managed donor and cultivation events that supported science education and connected people to the natural world. Since then, she has held senior leadership roles at the American Cancer Society, ShelterBox USA, and Healthy Learners, where she most recently served as Vice President of Development and Communications. Her work spans building cross-sector partnerships, scaling global health and education efforts, and rallying public support for social impact.

Now, Sarah brings this deep experience to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, where she will lead efforts to expand philanthropy, deepen community relationships, and strengthen long-term sustainability. A long-time Rotarian and former board member of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, she is passionate about civic and cultural engagement.

“As a child, I grew up wandering the halls of the Smithsonian, and those early museum experiences sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world,” said Bush. “Museums have the power to make science, history, and culture tangible and exciting, especially for young people. I’m honored to lead the Foundation in securing the resources needed to ensure this museum continues to educate and inspire current and future generations of New Mexicans.”