Leadership

Balloon Status: Not Flying

Museum Experience Center: closed

Grounds: closed

Executive Leadership

Mark Firestone

Mark Firestone

Associate VP of Developing Experiences

Mark Firestone is the Associate Vice President of Developing Experiences at Conner Prairie, where he leads the design and development of immersive, story-driven experiences across the museum’s campus. His work spans the implementation of the institution’s Experience Master Plan, developed by PGAV in 2023, as well as oversight of key internal teams, including Programs, Curatorial, Exhibits, and Digital Experiences. Mark also serves as the primary liaison to external design studios engaged in major campus projects. Prior to his current role, he served Conner Prairie in several leadership positions, including Director of Membership, Director of Guest and Member Relations, and Director of Experience Development.

Driven by a passion for immersive storytelling, Mark is deeply inspired by his time with Disney and his fascination with themed entertainment design. He believes in the power of experiences that transport guests to other times and places, while seamlessly integrating accurate, compelling historical narratives.

What sets Mark apart is his unique foundation in guest services and operations. With over two decades in the industry, he approaches design with the end-user in mind, ensuring that guest flow, accessibility, and operational realities are baked into the early stages of development. His analytical mindset, honed by a background in engineering and formal education in Tourism and Hospitality Management (with certifications in Event Management and Themed Entertainment Design), helps bridge the gap between creativity and functionality.

Among his proudest professional milestones is his leadership on two signature exhibits currently under construction at Conner Prairie: Power of Place, the new intro gallery, and Wellspring, an immersive experience designed in collaboration with Wes Bruce and The Curious Life.

Before joining Conner Prairie, Mark spent three years in Nairobi, Kenya, working with an NGO to grow a child sponsorship program from 8,000 to over 14,000 children, an initiative that continues to flourish today, reaching more than 30,000 across East Africa.

Outside of work, Mark is a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. He met his wife while serving in Kenya, and together they share a deep commitment to global community impact. Whether he's watching his kids discover the world, diving into YouTube deep-dives on theme park design, or daydreaming up new attraction concepts, Mark is always looking for the next story to tell, and the most creative way to tell it. He loves to travel, exploring new cultures, and dreams of future adventures, be it at a theme park, a sun-soaked beach, or a snowy mountain cabin.

Go Back

Directors

Board of Directors

Lifelong learning requires real leadership

At Conner Prairie, every guest has the opportunity to pursue knowledge and fun in a way that is tailored to them. This pursuit requires strong, dedicated leadership. Our Board of Directors oversees operations and engages community members in supporting the museum. Conner Prairie thanks these individuals who contribute their time and expertise.

Conner Prairie Foundation

The Conner Prairie Foundation board of directors oversees the management of the museum's endowment and the land and structures of the museum, including the William Conner House.

Directors Emeriti