Dion Brown is the new Executive Director of the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi. He comes to the job from Wichita, Kansas where he has been Chief Operating Officer at Exploration Place, a hands-on science and children’s museum which draws over 180,000 visitors a year.
Brown was hired by the Indianola museum after a seven-month search for a new director. His five-year experience at the Wichita museum has included all aspects of its operations. He has been leading a staff of 42.
Brown, 46, who grew up in Decatur, Illinois, retired from the Air Force in 2002 after serving 21 years.
“I’m looking forward to working with the excellent team at the B.B. King Museum,” said Brown. “It’s an incredible museum and it has a remarkable reputation, and I hope to help lead it to even greater successes. I am equally looking forward to learning the rich history of the Delta and working alongside the people in this community.”
Brown’s duties at Exploration Place have included business-related and revenue-generating areas such as the CyberDome Theater, ExploreStore, WaterWay Café blockbuster exhibitions, membership, catering, event sales/service, special events, group sales and corporate sponsorship.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources and a Masters of Science degree in Leadership from Southwestern College.
In Wichita, Brown was recently appointed to the Sedgwick County Task Force Oversight Committee for the Homeless, a member of Real Men, Inc. which mentors to at-risk children. He is an active member of his local church serving on the Methodist Men Ministry and the Media ministry.
He is married to the former Darla D. Williams of Wichita, and they have three children: Brianna 24, Braxton 17, and Braelyn 10.
Bill McPherson, president of the board of directors of the B.B. King Museum, said, “We are pleased to have Dion Brown as our new executive director. His experience and professionalism and leadership abilities will help take our museum into a strong future.”
Carver Randle, another board member, said, “We welcome Dion to our museum and our community. We’re lucky to lure such a fine and competent person to the Delta. He’ll be an immediate asset for us all.”
Brown will be in his new position at the museum starting Feb. 14.
The B.B. King Museum attracts thousands of visitors each year, including many from all over the world. Its state-of-the-art exhibits and films have drawn praise and received national awards. The museum opened in September 2008.
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
400 Second Street, Indianola, MS 38751
Phone: 662-887-9539
www.bbkingmuseum.org