About Us
The Story Behind The Poker Museum
The idea for The Poker Museum didn’t come from a boardroom or a business plan it came from a moment of clarity during the 2025 World Series of Poker. Surrounded by legends of the game, historic hands being replayed, and new champions being crowned, David Greer had a simple but powerful realization: poker’s history is everywhere…yet nowhere is it truly preserved.
When he shared the idea with the first friend he told, the response was blunt:
“If it was a good idea, it would have already been done.”
That answer didn’t sit right.
Not all good ideas are taken. Some are simply waiting for the right person to refuse to let them go.
With no financial backing, limited institutional support, and very little firsthand knowledge of how to launch a nonprofit, David began anyway—learning how to build a 501(c)(3) from the ground up, one form, one policy, and one late night at a time. Less than a year later, The Poker Museum is an officially formed nonprofit organization, actively working to spread the word, build momentum, and turn a vision into a living institution dedicated to poker’s past, present, and future.
This museum wasn’t created because it was easy.
It was created because it was necessary.
Our Three-Phase Plan
Phase One: The Pop-Up Experience
Our first step is creating pop-up exhibits temporary, mobile displays that allow us to share poker history at events, casinos, conventions, and community spaces. This phase builds awareness, tests exhibits, and begins collecting and showcasing artifacts while engaging directly with the poker community.
Phase Two: A Temporary Brick-and-Mortar Location
As support grows, we will establish a temporary physical museum space. This allows for rotating exhibits, expanded educational programming, and deeper storytelling while continuing to grow our collection and partnerships.
Phase Three: A Permanent Home for Poker History
The ultimate goal is a permanent, dedicated home for The Poker Museum—a landmark destination where poker’s history is preserved at the highest professional standard and shared with fans, players, and the public for generations to come.
Meet the Board
David Greer President, Executive Director and Founder
As a 20-year poker veteran, Dave’s history of poker Spans from home games while in the military all the way to the WSOP. Fueled by a lifelong passion for the game, Dave founded the Poker Museum to celebrate poker’s history and legends.
TIMOTHY BONNETTE, VICE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR OF GRANT STRATEGY
& INSTITUTIONAL GIVING
Michelle Greer, Treasurer
When the museum needed a Treasurer, Michelle’s experience working in government finance made her a natural fit. More a fan than player, Michelle loves the back stories and personality dynamics of poker players and wants to see them shared for generations. Her Favorite poker player is Jennifer Tilly, who she says is a positive representative of women in poker.
Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager
Danette “Dee” Smith
Danette “Dee” Smith began playing poker in 2009 after learning to play online. Since then, she has competed in major poker tournaments across the country and developed a deep appreciation for the game, its history, and the community surrounding it.
When Dee first learned about the Poker Museum and Dave’s vision for creating it, she was all in. She brings a common-sense approach, an eye for beauty and detail, and a strong commitment to helping make the Museum a reality. As the Museum’s first major donor, Dee provided foundational support for the project and helped set its vision in motion.