Ike Kwon

Ike Kwon was appointed Chief Operating Office and Executive Vice President of Operations at the Field Museum in 2023. In this new role, he works with the Executive Team to develop the Field’s strategic priorities, directly oversees the visitor service experience, marketing, exhibitions, education, business enterprises, new business development, and business analytics.

He joins the Field Museum from the California Academy of Science, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Government Affairs. In his role, he oversaw infrastructure, guest and building operations, and technology for the institution. He also oversaw the institution's relationship with local government as well as civic and community groups.

In addition to his role at the Academy, Kwon also served as a Commissioner for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, as well as a board member for the San Francisco Travel Association and San Francisco Parks Alliance. In 2013, he was recognized by Supervisor Katy Tang as an Asian Pacific Islander Leader in San Francisco.

Before joining the Academy, Kwon spent nearly two decades in leadership roles at several large-scale cultural institutions and leisure services, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Walt Disney Company, and Starwood Lodging.

Ike is originally from Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.