CLEVELAND—October 20, 2022—The Cleveland Museum of Natural History announced the promotion of Meenakshi Sharma to Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer. In her expanded role, Sharma will oversee and lead the execution of integrated programming, partnership alliances, and visitor-engagement strategies that will help redefine the Museum’s role for the 21st century. Her promotion comes at a time when the Museum is reimagining its campus, programs, and accessibility initiatives through a $150 million transformation, which is scheduled to be completed in December 2024.
Sharma joined the Museum in 2018 as Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing a number of departments and nearly one-third of the Museum’s staff. She has played an integral role in the development and implementation of the Museum’s new strategic plan, which is guiding all the organization’s activities through the completion of the largest capital project in the Museum’s 102-year history. Prior to joining the Museum, Sharma served as Assistant Dean – Career and Student Affairs at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.
“Meenakshi has been critical in driving strategic, tactical, and functional elements of our work throughout the pandemic and our ongoing transformation project, which will position the Museum as one of the top cultural attractions in the country,” said Sonia Winner, the Museum’s President & CEO. “She possesses a wealth of knowledge, talent, and leadership skills that will continue to further the Museum’s mission to inspire a passion for science and the protection of our natural world.”
Sharma holds an Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University, a master’s degree in program management and community organization from the University of Maryland, and bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of Delhi in India. She is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Cleveland.
“The Museum plays a vital role in ensuring that science learning is accessible to all members of our community,” said Sharma. “I look forward to strengthening our connections, improving access, and advancing the Museum’s important work to promote science and positive change.”
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Transformation Project
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History broke ground in June 2021 on a $150 million transformation project, which features an expansion, a complete reimagining of its campus and all its exhibits, and the addition of new public spaces. Pioneering a new model for natural history museums, this bold reinvention will place visitors at the center of the Museum experience—allowing them to better understand their connection with the natural world and the relevance of science to their daily lives. The transformed space will reflect the Museum’s world-class assets while serving as a trusted community resource that prioritizes accessibility and engagement. The
Transforming the World of Discovery campaign has raised more than $118 million for this project, which will expand the Museum's building and outdoor visitor areas to more than 375,000 square feet. The Museum appreciates the generous support from community members, corporations, foundations, and government grants that has helped to make this transformation a reality.
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History illuminates the world around us and inspires visitors to engage with the natural forces that shape their lives. Since its founding in 1920, the Museum has pioneered scientific research to advance knowledge across diverse fields of study and used its outstanding collections, which encompass more than 5 million artifacts and specimens, to deepen the public’s understanding of the dynamic connections between humans and nature. Through its Natural Areas Program, the Museum stewards nearly 12,000 acres of protected ecosystems across northern Ohio. A community gathering place, educational center, and research institution, the Museum is a vital resource that serves Cleveland and the nation. For more information, visit
CMNH.org.