Dirk Elmendorf

Dirk Elmendorf has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas, effective January 1, 2024. He succeeds Marise McDermott, who has served in the role for 20 years and will transition to President Emeritus.12

Background and Career

• Education: Elmendorf graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Trinity University in San Antonio.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: He is a co-founder of Rackspace Technology, a prominent cloud computing company established in 1999. His experience spans over two decades in the tech industry, where he has held various roles, including Chief Technology Evangelist at Rackspace until 2009.13
• Community Involvement: Elmendorf has been actively involved with the Witte Museum since joining its Board of Trustees in 2012, serving as Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has contributed to initiatives like the online ticketing system and educational programs aimed at engaging local schools.24

Vision for the Witte Museum

Elmendorf aims to leverage technology to enhance the museum's outreach and educational impact. One of his key initiatives includes developing a digital platform called Texas Museums 360, which will provide broader access to the museum's extensive collection of artifacts.12 He emphasizes a commitment to continuous learning and community engagement, stating that he is honored to lead the museum in shaping Texas's future through transformative experiences.56

Personal Philosophy

Elmendorf views his role as a calling to inspire future generations and is focused on building on the legacy of his predecessor while fostering innovation within the museum environment.14