Marilyn Jackson is the President & CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, the 10th person to hold this position in AAM’s history. Prior to joining AAM in April 2024, she served as President & CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, an award-winning museum and multicultural center dedicated to mobilizing the legacy of Muhammad Ali to inspire generations of changemakers, and advance social justice.

Additionally, she led the establishment of the Center for Humanity and Justice, a pivotal hub for the center’s impactful programs including curriculum development, youth leadership initiatives, and educator professional development. Marilyn’s achievements at the Ali Center earned her the esteemed 2023 Most Admired CEOs award by the Louisville Business Journal.

Before joining the Ali Center in 2022, Marilyn served as the Chief Engagement Officer for the United Way of Metro Chicago, responsible for marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Under her leadership, United Way launched a series of public programs and learning initiatives that connected the organization’s donors and stakeholders to its community-led neighborhood development strategy.

Prior to joining United Way in 2016, Marilyn served as the Vice President of Marketing and Audience Strategy for the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), a nonprofit cultural organization inspiring people to discover why design matters through tours, exhibitions, programs, and events.

From 2004 through 2010, Marilyn served as the Director of Marketing at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Under her leadership, the marketing department created and executed a series of award-winning temporary exhibit marketing campaigns setting national attendance records.

Marilyn’s career blends more than 25 years of marketing and strategic planning experience in nonprofit and corporate environments. Marilyn has held management positions at Six Flags Theme Parks and the Ameritech Corporation. She earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and her Bachelor of Science in Biology And Society from Cornell University.

Marilyn, born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, New York, embarked on a journey with her husband to nurture their three children amidst the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago.