Marissa Baum

Marissa serves as head of communications for the Town of East Hartford, Connecticut, where she helps connect residents, leaders, and stories that matter. She came to local government after a career in arts and cultural marketing and fundraising, and she values the everyday impact that comes with public service.

Prior to East Hartford, Marissa established the Marketing and Communications Department at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, leading the organization through its first major rebrand in its 200-year history. Before moving to Connecticut in 2020, Marissa spent several years at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, serving as Director of Development and Communications and later as Interim Director of Operations.

Community has always been at the center of her work. She has served on boards and volunteer groups in both Kansas City and Connecticut, including as past Chair of Forte!, the next generation of supporters of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and she currently serves on the Symphony’s Board of Directors. During her time in Kansas City, Marissa was active in community leadership, serving on the Board of Directors for Young Latino Professionals, Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus, and as founding co-chair of the Modernists, the young friends of the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Marissa earned a B.A. in Art History from Syracuse University and an M.A. in Museum Studies from The George Washington University. Across every role, whether in museums, government, or corporate design, she is guided by one belief: good storytelling brings people together and sparks meaningful change.