Greg Stevens

Bio

Greg Stevens is an experienced educator, facilitator, career coach, curriculum designer, and project manager. His expertise includes teaching and facilitation for in-person and online platforms, curriculum design and program development, writing and presenting on museum and career themes, career coaching, and staff professional development. Greg has provided learner-centered opportunities, professional development, and career guidance to hundreds of colleagues for over two decades, including many graduates of the GW Museum Studies program and the GW Museum Education Program (Greg’s alma mater). Greg was most recently honored with the 2025 GW Alumni Outstanding Service Award. Greg has also taught in the Johns Hopkins University Museum Studies graduate program for nearly a decade, and serves as resident designer for Chickenshed NYC, an inclusive children’s theatre company providing opportunities for young people of all abilities to learn and grow through the arts. From 2018-2023, Greg directed the graduate museum program at Seton Hall University (SHU), and served as associate director of the SHU McBride Leadership Center/Buccino Leadership Institute. Previously at the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) from 2007-2017, Greg directed the field-wide professional development program focused on leadership, management, and career development. Earlier in his museum career, Greg held positions at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, National Building Museum, Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums, and the National Museum of the U.S. Army. 

Professional Practice

Greg founded his career coaching practice, Purple Cow Career & Talent Development in 2018, working with clients across a range of fields, including museums, public history, education, federal service, and the corporate sector.

Education

Master of Arts in Teaching, Museum Education
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.

Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Design
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

Select Publications

• Author, Museum Career Handbook (forthcoming 2027, Bloomsbury)
• Co-editor (with Lotte Lent), Museum Change Agents Making the World a Better Place (2024, The George Washington University)
• Contributing editor for AAM member magazine, Museum (2012-2017) (30 issues, 25 articles)
• Co-author (with Marsha Semmel, Sam Moore, and Elizabeth Isele), “Generational Inclusion: Shattering Stereotypes and Questioning Assumptions.” Informal Learning Review (No. 144, May/June 2017), Informal Learning Experiences
• Author, “Then, Now, Next: Transferring A Lifetime of Careers” in Teaching the Museum: Careers in Museum Education, Leah M. Melber, ed. (2014, The AAM Press)
• Co-author and co-editor (with Wendy Luke), A Life in Museums: Managing Your Museum Career (2012, The AAM Press)