The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana 

Announces New Chief Executive Officer

October 23, 2025 —  The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana proudly announces the appointment of Alexandra “Alex” Waetjen as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

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   Waetjen brings more than a decade of experience in museum leadership, education, and operations, having served in key roles at several nationally recognized institutions. Most recently, she supported operations at the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson, Mississippi, which was recognized as one of the top three children’s museums in the country. Prior to that, she spent several years at the Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab, where she was promoted to Deputy Director during a period of major organizational growth and successfully led marketing, events, and guest experience initiatives. 

 

    Her career also includes positions with the Gathering Place in Tulsa, the State Historical Society of Missouri, the Institute of Texan Cultures, and the San Antonio Museum of Art —giving her a wide-ranging background in educational program development, volunteer coordination, and community engagement. 

 

   Waetjen holds a master’s degree in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and art history from Southwestern University. 

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 “Alex’s experience with some of the nation’s most successful children’s museums makes her uniquely qualified to lead our organization,” said Linley Richert, President of the Board of Directors. “Her passion for creative learning and her strong operational leadership will help the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana continue to grow as a cornerstone of family engagement and education in our region.”

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  Please give a big welcome to our New CEO, Alex Waetjen.