Elissa Lines
Museum leader focused on aviation history, fundraising, and education
Honolulu, Hawaii
Summary
Museum leadership and campus stewardship: As long-time senior leader at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, she guided large-scale restoration and interpretive projects (notably work to restore and open the Ford Island Control Tower), expanded educational and scholarship programs, and managed operations that steward the WWII aviation battlefield on Ford Island. prnewswire+1
Fundraising and development expertise: Her appointment as National Campaign Executive Director and prior leadership in donor and business relations demonstrate a career emphasis on fundraising, major campaigns, and building revenue streams for museums and aviation organizations. prnewswire+1
Advocate for women and youth in aviation: She helped found and promote Women Soar / Women Soar You Soar and supported WomenVenture programming at AirVenture Oshkosh, focusing on mentorship and increasing participation of women and girls in aviation pathways. si+1
Leadership transition and retirement: After serving as Executive Director and overseeing major initiatives through the early-to-mid 2020s, she stepped down from day-to-day leadership effective May 31, 2024, and is noted as Executive Director, Retired in subsequent recognitions. bizjournals+2