Who We Are
In January 2007, former U.S. Marshals Service Director John Clark announced the decision that Fort Smith, Arkansas would be the home of the U.S. Marshals Museum. This exciting announcement culminated a highly-competitive site selection process that spanned several years. The dedicated group of volunteers who had represented Fort Smith throughout this selection process had work incredibly hard to earn this honor for our community.
With the site designation in hand, the work then expanded and escalated. Bringing this Museum to life has required the endurance and unwavering dedication of: the Museum staff and Board of Directors, Museum Foundation staff and Board of Directors, our community, and our generous donors.
Our Mission
The Mission of the U.S. Marshals Museum is to serve as a national center of heritage and legacy, disseminate knowledge, and inspire appreciation for the accomplishments of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Our Vision
The U.S. Marshals Museum inspires Americans across the country—both now and for future generations—to live with the core values of the U.S. Marshals Service: “Justice, Integrity, and Service.”
U.S. Marshals Museum
MUSEUM STAFF
Benjamin Johnson
President and CEO
Over his nearly two-decade museum career, Ben has served in nearly every capacity within the Museum industry. From intern, to curator, to senior leadership, Ben is driven by his passion for history and the role that museums play in creating vibrant communities. Since beginning his career with the SAC Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska, he has held senior leadership roles at museums across the country, including Oregon, New York, Iowa, and Arkansas. He firmly believes that museums and cultural institutions belong to everyone, and that high-quality exhibits and programs have the capacity to educate and entertain citizens of all ages. Matching that philosophy with sound business practices and a dedication to fiscal responsibility, Ben brings an authentically down-to-earth leadership style to his organizations. Ben received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and religion from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a Master of Arts in U.S. Military & Diplomatic History from the University of Nebraska.
Chief Financial Officer: Tracie Jacobs – tjacobs@usmmuseum.org
Chief Programs Officer: Leslie Higgins – lhiggins@usmmuseum.org
Director of Building and Grounds: Dana Hill – dhill@usmmuseum.org
Sales Manager: Satori Evans – sevans@usmmuseum.org
Marketing Coordinator: Hannah Green – hgreen@usmmuseum.org
Outreach Manager: Veronica Luna-Geels – vlunageels@usmmuseum.org
USMM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Terisa Riley
Chair, USMM Board of Directors
Dr. Terisa Riley, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, has taken over the position of chair of the Museum Board as of Jan. 1, 2024. Dr. Terisa C. Riley was named chancellor of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith on April 16, 2019, and began her appointment on July 1 that year. Dr. Riley earned her bachelor’s degree in communication and master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Missouri at Columbia and her doctorate in higher education administration and research methodology from Saint Louis University. She is also a graduate of the National Police Institute and the Governor’s Executive Development Program at the University of Texas at Austin. She is dedicated to serving her community.
MEMBERS, MUSEUM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Cynthia Coughlin – Vice Chair
- Christy Ivey – Treasurer
- Neff Basore – Secretary
- Dewaine Allen
- Ashleigh Bachert
- Carl Caulk
- Geoff Deas
- Lenny DePaul
- Cathernine Foreman-Gray
- Eddie Lee Herdon
- Claude Legris
- Nancy McGillivray
- Philip Merry
- Jamie Moore
- Don O’Hearn
- James Reilly, Ph. D.
- Fidencio Rivera
- David Turk
- Bennie Westphal
U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation
Board of Directors
- Ryan Gehrig
- John Schmelzle
- Scott Zuerker
- Jim Dunn – Emeritus
- Jim Spears – Emeritus
- Robert Young – Emeritus
Emeritus
- Jim Dunn
- Jim Spears
- Robert Young
