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Marita Rivero
Marita Rivero is the President & CEO of the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket. She began her tenure in January of 2016, having been a long-time involved supporter of the Museum, including as Board Chair from 1999-2009. Rivero brings her experience as a prolific public broadcasting executive and her service on several local and national non-profit boards in the areas of social service, arts, education, and historic preservation. In her first months at the Museum, she oversaw the creation and opening of a groundbreaking exhibit, Picturing Frederick Douglass: Most Photographed American of the Nineteenth Century. This successful exhibit documents Douglass’ embrace of photography as a new democratic medium, and has resulted in significantly increased visitation.
Founded in 1967, the Museum inspires all generations to embrace and interpret the authentic stories of New Englanders of African descent and those who found common cause with them in their quest for freedom and justice. Through engaging exhibits and powerful public programs at our National Historic Landmark properties, the Museum expands cultural understanding and promotes dignity and respect for all.
Formerly Vice President and General Manager for Radio and Television at WGBH, Rivero oversaw programming, marketing, and administration. Stepping down from that position in July of 2013, she continued as a Special Advisor to WGBH until July, 2015.
Rivero has been honored with numerous awards, among them a Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for Achievement in Arts and Education; induction into the Boston YWCA’s Women Achievers; and the Abigail Adams Award from the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. She currently serves on the board of Bunker Hill Community College Foundation and chairs the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s board.
Rivero began her higher education experience in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University and has participated in post-graduate training at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, as well as the Stanford and Wharton Schools of Business.