For almost nine years, Donald Lassere has served as President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. Tuesday the Center announced Lassere is stepping down and returning to his hometown of Chicago to become the President and CEO of The Chicago History Museum.
In an announcement on the Ali Center's website, Lonnie Ali, Co-Founder and Vice-Chair said, “Donald’s departure from the Muhammad Ali Center will be difficult for staff and Board Members but especially for me. During his tenure, Donald’s leadership has been critical in advancing the Center’s mission locally, domestically, and globally. He navigated the Center through some of its most difficult periods; the passing and memorial of my husband, the recent civil unrest and protests for social justice, and the ongoing devastation of a global pandemic. I am confident that Donald will be a vital asset wherever he lands. He will always be linked to the Center’s success and Muhammad’s legacy.”
During his time with the Muhammad Ali Center, Lassere expanded and grew educational programs, started creative partnerships, and grew the Center's role in the community.
He first joined the Ali Center in 2012 and immediately created a strategic plan focusing on education, social justice, global citizenship, and gender equity. Lassere Launched the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in 2013, which was designed to inspire and encourage young people around the world to become involved in social justice issues that affect their communities, their country, and the world.
In the statement on the website, Lassere said, “It has been my honor and privilege to lead the Ali Center over these past years and to have had the opportunity to further Muhammad’s relevancy and impact. Muhammad has been a personal hero of mine my entire life, so the decision to make a career transition made it all the more difficult. I will greatly miss all of the individuals I have met in this community and am confident the Center will continue to grow in new and significant ways. I want to sincerely thank our staff, our board, and the community for all they have done to help make the Ali Center what it is today. I will continue to carry you all in my heart and will greatly miss you. My family and I look forward to our new chapter in Chicago.”
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer tweeted his thoughts about Lassere's move, calling him "an unwavering champion for the Champ and for our city, and he will be sorely missed."
Lassere was a true member of the Louisville community. He is the Chairman of Louisville Tourism's Board of Commissioners, is a member of the Louisville Downtown Management District Board of Directors, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Louisville Ballet. Lassere is also an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville in the Entrepreneurial MBA program.
The Muhammad Ali Center will begin a national search to find a replacement for Lassere.
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