Jeff Draeger

About Jeff Draeger

Proven leader with unique corporate and non-profit executive experience beyond a distinguished military career [U.S. Navy Captain]. Jeff cares deeply about service, community, developing leaders and bringing out the best in teams. Strategic, people focused, mission driven.Proud to join the USS Constitution Museum as President & CEO, he leads a talented non-profit team serving as the memory and educational voice of “Old Ironsides.” Working closely with strategic and community partners, the Museum provides a world class experience, inspires a sense of service and shared values, and highlights the historic lessons, civic connections and legacy of leadership imbued by our Ship of State.As Seattle Art Museum interim Director and CEO Jeff stewarded a leading Pacific Northwest visual arts institution including SAM Downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and iconic Olympic Sculpture Park. He initially served as COO managing tri-site operations support while developing civic and sector partnerships.At Blue Origin he led facilities and administrative support teams for four national sites with direct oversight of the rapidly expanding headquarters campus. He managed real estate, site master planning, construction, operations and maintenance, supporting accelerated growth.In the Navy Jeff led high performance teams at increasing scale across diverse disciplines and dynamic environments during 25 years of active-duty service. His chief executive posts spanned operational aviation squadron command and shore installation major command. He also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a lead congressional liaison and legislative advisor.His volunteer pursuits include mentoring and Labrador Retriever rescue. He enjoys art, history, travel, dogs and the outdoors.

Experience

1. President & CEO

   Uss Constitution Museum

   Oct 2025 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Board-selected chief executive helming a uniquely situated Boston nonprofit serving as an interpretive complement to USS Constitution. Leads a team of 35 colleagues on the historic Charlestown Navy Yard. Works closely with the U.S. Navy, National Park Service, trustees, advisors, civic leaders, community partners, and staff experts to pursue the Museum’s mission and vision.

Education

• United States Naval Academy

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Mathematics (Distinction)

  1993

• MIT Sloan School of Management

  Leading Through Financial Excellence - Employer Sponsored Executive Program

  2019

• The George Washington University

  Master of Science (MS), Operations Research

  1995

• USAF Air War College

  Master of Strategic Studies (Highest Distinction), National Security Strategy & Leadership, electives in Negotiation Theory & Applications

  2012

Skills

• Organizational Development
• Operational Risk Management
• Leadership Development
• Weapons
• Congressional Affairs
• Strategic Communications
• Negotiation
• National Security
• Anti-Submarine Warfare
• Operations Management
• Strategic Planning
• Operational Planning
• Weapons & Tactics Instructor
• Team Leadership