Mark J. Buss, of Manakin-Sabot, has begun a 2-year term as chair of the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) Board of Trustees. Buss, who has served as a museum trustee since 2021 and previously served as vice-chair, succeeds Lisa L. Carter, of Urbanna, who had served as chair since 2022.
“It has been a pleasure serving the Commonwealth of Virginia as a trustee of the Virginia Museum of Natural History these past three years and as vice-chair this past year,” said Buss. “The museum experienced tremendous success during Lisa’s leadership, and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and the museum staff, as we continue to make great strides in growing the museum’s impact and recognition as one of the premier scientific research and education institutions in all of Virginia.”
Buss has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career and currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer for Drinkmate, Inc., a role in which he leads company sales, marketing and product development. Prior to being appointed to the museum’s Board of Trustees by then Governor Ralph Northam in 2021, Buss had extensive board level leadership experience, including having served on the Board of Directors of SharkNinja, as well as the Board of Directors of the International Housewares Association.
“The museum is positioned for success over the next two years under Mark’s leadership,” said VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe B. Keiper. “His background in business and board experience will be an asset to the museum.”
Other officers beginning terms effective July 1 include:
Dr. Melany R. Clark, of Ridgeway, Vice-Chairman
Lauren B. Woodson, of Roanoke, Secretary
Cord L. Cothren, of Danville, Treasurer (re-appointed)
As the governing body of the museum, the Virginia Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees manages, controls, maintains, and operates the museum, appoints the director of the museum and prescribe such duties, and prescribes rules and regulations for the museum’s operation.
To learn more about the museum, visit www.vmnh.net.
