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As Assistant Executive Director, Ryan will support the oversight of Museum operations, community relations, strategic programming, and mission-focused initiatives. She will collaborate with Museum leadership, veterans, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the continued preservation of Naval Special Warfare heritage and to broaden the Museum’s educational impact and visitor engagement.

“Our work is rooted in honoring the warriors who trained on this ground and those who continue to serve our nation,” said Kaiser. “Elaine’s dedication, collaborative spirit, and intimate understanding of our mission will help guide the Fort Pierce Museum into its next chapter of growth and excellence.”

The appointment reflects the Museum’s continuing efforts to strengthen organizational structure and ensure it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the Naval Special Warfare community, veterans, families, and the public it serves.

For more information about the National Navy SEAL Museum, its mission, and upcoming initiatives, please visit the Museum’s official website or contact the Fort Pierce location directly.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Navy SEAL Museum Appoints Elaine Ryan as Assistant Executive Director in Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce, FL – November 28, 2025 – The National Navy SEAL Museum announced today that Elaine Ryan has been appointed to the position of Assistant Executive Director of the Museum’s historic Fort Pierce location. This leadership appointment reflects the Museum’s continued commitment to strengthening operational excellence and enhancing its mission to preserve the legacy of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, while supporting the Special Operations community and educating the public.

The Navy SEAL Museum is dedicated to sharing the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, honoring the warriors who have served, and inspiring future generations through exhibits, educational outreach, community engagement, and support initiatives. The Fort Pierce Museum—located on the original training grounds of the first Navy combat divers—is the flagship campus for preserving this unparalleled legacy of service and sacrifice.

Ryan, who joined the organization in 2015, first served as Marketing Director for the Fort Pierce Museum. With the Museum’s expansion to the west coast, Ryan was appointed National Marketing Director to include San Diego efforts in 2023. In this role, she has cultivated strategic partnerships, advanced national awareness, and strengthened the Museum’s brand across the Fort Pierce and San Diego locations. Her leadership in marketing, communications, and public engagement has contributed significantly to the Museum’s growth, visibility, and mission-driven impact.

“This marks an important milestone for the Museum,” said Rick Kaiser, Executive Director of Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce and retired Navy SEAL Master Chief. “Elaine’s steadfast commitment, strategic vision, and long-standing service to the organization make her the natural choice for this role. She understands the significance of our history, the needs of our visitors, and the responsibility we carry in preserving the legacy of the Naval Special Warfare community.”

As Assistant Executive Director, Ryan will support the oversight of Museum operations, community relations, strategic programming, and mission-focused initiatives. She will collaborate with Museum leadership, veterans, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the continued preservation of Naval Special Warfare heritage and to broaden the Museum’s educational impact and visitor engagement.

“Our work is rooted in honoring the warriors who trained on this ground and those who continue to serve our nation,” said Kaiser. “Elaine’s dedication, collaborative spirit, and intimate understanding of our mission will help guide the Fort Pierce Museum into its next chapter of growth and excellence.”

The appointment reflects the Museum’s continuing efforts to strengthen organizational structure and ensure it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the Naval Special Warfare community, veterans, families, and the public it serves.

For more information about the National Navy SEAL Museum, its mission, and upcoming initiatives, please visit the Museum’s official website or contact the Fort Pierce location directly.

About Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Fort Pierce is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Built on the original training grounds of the first Navy combat divers, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce opened its doors on Veterans Day in 1985.

From humble beginnings, the Museum has experienced tremendous growth, achieving national stature in 2007. Continuing a legacy of preservation and inspiration, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego opened in October of 2025.

The Museum remains committed to the promotion of public education by providing the opportunity to explore Naval Special Warfare history through interactive exhibits, while honoring the fallen at the SEAL Memorial, and caring for Naval Special Warfare families through its various charitable outreach initiatives. For more information, visit NavySEALMuseum.org.