The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm announced the appointment of Mindy Plumlee as its new Executive Director. Plumlee brings over 25 years of nonprofit executive leadership to the role, including 22 years as Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho.
Plumlee steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the museum, which opened in 2005 after Dr. Sheldon Johnson and his wife, LaVerna, discovered a remarkably preserved dinosaur trackway on their property in 2000 and set the land aside for scientific and educational use. Today the museum houses thousands of fossilized footprints and other fossils that allow paleontologists to reconstruct a nearly 200 million-year-old lakeside ecosystem. In March 2025, the museum’s team began excavating new bone beds across the street from the current facility, and the institution continues to expand its research, education, and community programming.
During her tenure at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, Plumlee more than tripled the organization’s capacity and geographic reach, raised $16 million through two capital campaigns, and oversaw full budget accountability and compliance. She has extensive experience writing and managing grants, cultivating major gifts and donors, and building sustainable membership and planned giving programs. Plumlee has also recruited and led large boards, including a 22-member statewide board with eight committees, along with staff and volunteer teams of up to 30 staff and 450 volunteers.
“This is an exciting time for the museum, with new bone bed excavations underway and tremendous potential to expand our impact as a scientific, educational, and cultural anchor for Southern Utah,” said Plumlee. “I look forward to strengthening our community partnerships, donor and grant support, and long-term sustainability as we enter this important new chapter.”
Plumlee’s appointment reflects the museum’s continued commitment to strong institutional leadership as it grows its research, education, and community programming. The organization’s board expressed confidence that her background in nonprofit management, fundraising, and community partnership will help guide the museum through its next phase of development.
Plumlee succeeds Diana Call, who is stepping down as Executive Director. The museum thanks Call for her dedicated leadership and many contributions to the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site during her tenure, and wishes her well in her future endeavors.
The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit utahdinosaurs.org.