
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!

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.

What led you to MOPOP?
I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of art, music, and storytelling, and MOPOP felt like the perfect place to explore that. The unique exhibits and immersive experiences immediately caught my attention. Plus, I love how it celebrates creativity in all its forms.
What is your first pop culture memory?
New Edition and having their posters on my walls. I remember always begging for Teen Bop and all other magazines with bands and music. Those magazines sparked my interest in finding out more about music and watching music videos.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
Massive: The Power of Pop Culture exhibit really stood out to me. It was fascinating to dive into the background on what is pop culture and how we all experience. I love fashion so being able to see up close Notorious B.I.G’s suit, was incredible.

What led you to MOPOP?
I started at what would become MOPOP in the summer of 1994. Over the intervening three decades and across eight positions, I’m continually drawn to our exciting exhibitions and programs, deep collection, incredibly creative staff, engaged audience, and our mission to inspire creativity and celebrate the impact of global pop culture.
What is your first pop culture memory?
One of my first pop culture memories is my mother playing me the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road records and understanding that these records and that band were somehow very important. Music early on made a huge impact on me, something that continues to resonate to this day, and in my personal life as well as my career at MOPOP.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
I really enjoy our Massive: The Power of Pop Culture exhibition. It’s colorful and engaging, takes a look at pop culture as a global dialogue, dives into why and how we preserve and interpret pop culture materials, and provides a platform for our staff, audience, and community to reflect their perspectives on pop culture. It’s a perfect introduction to MOPOP.

What led you to MOPOP?
The emotional sense around pop culture is rich, complex, and deeply personal—it’s one of the reasons places like MOPOP exist and resonate so widely. I really wanted to work alongside passionate people who strongly believe that pop culture has the power to break through barriers and bring communities together.
What is your first pop culture memory?
Maybe not the first but the best memory was sitting (standing really) 19th row at the Prince concert at the Gorge Amphitheater in September of 1997. Literally changed my life.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Never Turn Back exhibit!

What led you to MOPOP?
My educational background in art history and museum studies brought me to museum work, but my love of pop culture and architecture brought me to MOPOP. From the stunning Frank Gehry designed building to the exceptional exhibitions that keep getting stronger, it’s an honor to work at a museum that values and amplifies relevancy.
What is your first pop culture memory?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in the movie theater as a kid may very well be where my love for movies originated. Epic cinema + storytelling.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
All exhibitions Henson. Any opportunity to get up close with The Muppets is a gift.

What led you to MOPOP?
Pop culture art has a fascinating draw to me. It captivates me through music, art, and fashion...it’s a natural fit with my intention to be expressive through those mediums. Personally giving back to community through a museum that is purposeful in its position within community and that fosters creative partnerships sings to me in my commitment and my wish to work for a cause that means something to me.
What is your first pop culture memory?
BBC hooked me as a young person, watching Dr. Who and Red Dwarf thinking they were brilliant shows. Only now do I understand the complex, diverse, progressive subject matter broached by these series.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
It’s a toss-up between LAIKA and Massive, such incredible bodies of work—from the tiniest to the most massive.

What led you to MOPOP?
I am a huge fan and child of pop culture. I am excited about supporting MOPOP as we highlight the impact and differences of global pop culture on communities, societies, and countries. It is critical that we preserve these treasures and knowledge for future generations to better understand our shared past.
What is your first pop culture memory?
I did not realize it then, but my first exposure to pop culture was with Hot Wheel cars. I would race the cars down the orange plastic track. I still have a case with many of my cars.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
My favorite exhibit section is the Science Fiction. I am especially keen on the second version of Battlestar Galactica.


Jody Allen is the founding director of MOPOP, which she co-founded with brother Paul G. Allen in 2000 to inspire the innate creativity in everyone. She is also co-founder and chair of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Vale Group, the Allen Institute, which works to solve some of the biggest mysteries in bioscience, and serves on the board of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Ai2). In addition, Jody serves as chair of the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchises, recognizing the role of both teams as powerful catalysts for civic pride.
What is your first pop culture memory?
When I was five, Terry, my babysitter from up the street, playing her “With the Beatles” LP in her bedroom for Paul and me. Terry was 14 years old and Paul was 12. I still remember it after all these years.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
I have always loved Sound Lab, the science fiction gallery, and exhibits showcasing costumes and fashion.

Michelle is Principal, Advisory at KPMG US, leading the Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk consulting practice in Seattle. She guides the delivery of consulting services to pre-IPO to Fortune 50 companies.
What is your first pop culture memory?
I was obsessed with Hello Kitty.

Davina Inslee is a seasoned technology attorney with more than 20 years of experience focused on general commercial transactions, intellectual property, and licensing. Over the course of her professional career, she has handled a full spectrum of technology and intellectual property matters, including: the negotiation of complex product co-development agreements; collaborative research agreements; public-private partnerships with companies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions; tech-transfer; and patent licensing and commercialization.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
Jimi Hendrix

Matthew Norman is a seasoned nonprofit banking professional with over 20 years of experience. He has spent time working for some of the region’s leading financial institutions.
What is your first pop culture memory?
Tim Burton’s Batman.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction.

Greg brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, advising clients on a wide range of legal issues—from operational and management agreements to online travel and distribution. He chairs the firm’s national Hospitality, Travel & Tourism practice, representing hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and restaurants.
Greg has advised leading industry associations including AHLA, HSMAI, and HFTP. Prior to private practice, he held in-house roles with Westin/Starwood, Homegrocer.com/Webvan, and Columbia Hospitality.
He publishes the Online Travel Update, a weekly digest covering key trends in hospitality and online travel, featured on Foster Garvey’s Duff on Hospitality Law blog and JD Supra, where he’s a multiple-time Readers’ Choice Award winner.
What’s your first pop culture memory?
Standing in line at the theater to see the original Star Wars movie (on the opening weekend no less).
What’s your favorite current or recent MOPOP exhibition?
Definitely Sound Lab. First visit blew my mind.

James currently serves as the Head of Investor Relations & Treasury at Nordstrom (2023–Present), overseeing investor relations for a ~$4B market cap company generating $15B in revenue. Responsibilities include creating quarterly earnings materials, driving investor outreach strategies, and managing corporate treasury functions.
Previously, James was the Director of Investor Relations at Kellogg/Kellanova (2019–2023), where they led investor relations efforts to enhance the company’s valuation and managed the creation of earnings materials. Prior to that, they worked at Archer Daniels Midland (2006–2019), first as Director/Manager of Investor Relations (2013–2019), contributing to investor communications and earnings presentations, and earlier as Treasury Manager overseeing global pensions, FX, cash, and investments.
What’s your first pop culture memory?
Rushing home from school to watch “The Brady Bunch”
What’s your favorite current or recent MOPOP exhibition?
Jimi Hendrix's 1968 Fender Stratocaster

In 1995, I began my dream job of working at The Jim Henson Company and being a part of its legacy to make the world a better place. Since 2005, I have led the Company's PR, marketing, and branding efforts for all its productions and businesses. Most recently, I have also been leading the Company's initiatives in location based entertainment, events and theatrical productions. I continue to be amazed and inspired by my dedicated and creative colleagues, and grateful for our equally dedicated and creative fans who love what we do!
What’s your first pop culture memory?
From the first time I saw The Wizard of Oz as a young girl, I wanted to go there myself. Watching that movie with my family showed me how great storytelling brings people together and can last for generations.
What’s your favorite current or recent MOPOP exhibition?
I am so glad that MOPOP’s Fantasy exhibition includes puppets from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. I hope we inspire the next creators and storytellers by showcasing the imagination and artistry that goes into making these iconic characters.

Janie L. Hendrix is President/CEO of Seattle-based Experience Hendrix L.L.C., Authentic Hendrix LLC, and JMH Productions, the family companies of Jimi Hendrix.
What is your first pop culture memory?
Music culture has always been a part of my life. Ours was a family immersed in jazz, blues, soul, rock-n-roll, and just about every other genre.
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
My favorite exhibit at MOPOP would naturally be the Hendrix Gallery.

Judge Lisa H. Mansfield was appointed as the Seattle Municipal Court Judge in September of 2020. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Mansfield served as President of the Pierce County Minority Bar Association and as Community Outreach Vice President on the state-wide board of Washington Women Lawyers. She also served as a Pierce County Bar Association Trustee. Most of her legal career was spent as a Public Defender in the Criminal and Dependency arenas.
She has a talent for building community connections that promote and preserve popular culture, especially in challenging times. Lisa’s journey began as a Black woman at Columbia University, where she navigated race, class, and gender struggles. She found purpose in activism and art, particularly in New York’s vibrant club culture, which provided her with a sense of belonging.
After moving to Seattle to study law, she became deeply involved in the grunge music scene, performing in several bands and connecting with influential figures in the local music community. Through her connection with musician Jack Endino, Lisa engaged with MOPOP, advocating for greater exposure of Black artists and fostering a cultural exchange between MOPOP and the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM), where she has served on the board.
Lisa values fostering connections in cultural spaces and has facilitated collaborations that benefit both artists and institutions. As a judge, she continues to create connections between the judiciary and academia. Her commitment to art, culture, and community aligns with MOPOP’s mission, and she is dedicated to supporting and preserving the transformative power of pop culture. Lisa’s perspective, passion, and contributions are essential at this moment in time.

Jane has over 35 years of experience serving tax-exempt organizations, specializing in private foundations, public charities, and philanthropic tax planning. At Deloitte, she leads high-value tax compliance and advisory services, mentors top talent, and collaborates with the Monitor Institute to support philanthropic leaders. A recognized expert and author in her field, Jane is actively involved in professional organizations and co-chairs the annual Private Foundation Summit.

Launching his career as an assistant to the Jonas Brothers, Benoni Tagoe quickly became a part of the band's day-to-day management team and, through that experience, developed a keen sense of entrepreneurship.
What is your first pop culture memory?
Nike + Jordan's release of the Jordan VIII and Jordan IX was the first time I understood fashion and what it meant to be the 'cool kid' on the playground!
What is your favorite current or recent exhibition at MOPOP?
Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop.