Leader grounded in science and education to drive cutting-edge STEM center forward

QUEENS, NY – The New York Hall of Science, the City’s premier interactive museum of science and technology, today named Lisa J. Gugenheim as its CEO and President, following an international search. Gugenheim is a seasoned nonprofit leader who joins the Hall of Science (NYSCI) after serving most recently as Director of the American Museum of Natural History.

Timothy J. Tynan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of NYSCI, said, “Lisa is the perfect leader to help the Hall of Science build on its successes and prepare for future growth. Her passion and energy for STEM subjects, education and learning is contagious. Most important, she understands how to build – and inspire – strong teams and connect students to dynamic opportunities beyond our walls. The entire NYSCI family welcomes her.”

Lisa J. Gugenheim, NYSCI’s incoming CEO and President said, “The vision that led to the creation of NYSCI 60 years ago is the same spirit of innovation and scientific inquiry that guides its leading edge work and passionate team today. The work of NYSCI, located in our nation’s most-diverse county, is increasingly urgent nationally and internationally. From combating climate change to expanding AI literacy, there has never been a more relevant time to invest in the power and impact of science and technology education. I’m excited for that challenge and to join the NYSCI team.”

While at the American Museum of Natural History, Gugenheim led the strategic planning, institutional advancement, education, and government relations groups, as well as provided interim leadership for the operations, capital program, Human Resources and IT divisions. With an expansive vision for the critical role of non-profit organizations in society and a commitment to the public good,Gugenheim directed the planning process that resulted in the creation of the Gilder Center for Science Education and Innovation. She was also instrumental in establishing the only free-standing, museum-based Master of Arts in Teaching program and was responsible for raising more than one billion dollars during the Museum’s most recent endowment campaigns.

Gugenheim succeeds interim CEO Minerva Tantoco, who led the organization after Margaret Honey’s transformative 15-year tenure ended in December 2023. Ms. Tantoco will continue her services as a member of the Board of Trustees. The successful search for a new CEO was led by the Board’s ad hoc Search and Selection committee headed by co-chairs Linda Sanford and Frans Johansson.

"As I step down from my role as Interim CEO, it is with great excitement that I welcome Lisa Gugenheim to lead this incredible organization into the future," said Minerva Tantoco. "I know she will continue to build on our success, driving innovation and growth. The future is bright, and I couldn't be more optimistic about what lies ahead."

During her career, Gugenheim has focused on reaching broad and diverse audiences and ensuring that the American Museum of Natural History was a welcoming environment, relevant to the communities it serves. She has served on multiple non-profit Boards and, recently, on the Mayor’s Future of Workers Taskforce, which created a blueprint to connect local talent and communities with economic and educational opportunities.

Gugenheim is a lifelong resident of New York City and a graduate of Oberlin College. Prior to joining the American Museum of Natural History, she worked in New York City government.

About NYSCI

Founded in conjunction with the 1964 World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has been a local and global leader in providing innovative education, scientific and technological learning experiences. The mission of NYSCI is to nurture generations of passionate learners, critical thinkers and active citizens through an approach called Design, Make, Play. This innovative approach emphasizes open-ended exploration, imaginative learning and personal relevance, resulting in deep engagement and delight in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In 2023, the National Science Board recognized the New York Hall of Science for its efforts to increase participation and diversity in the science and engineering fields. The National Board of Science specifically cited NYSCI’s “inventive approach to promoting informal and equitable science and technology learning.” By engaging teachers and students through The Hall of Science continues to be one of the most important and powerful teaching experiences in a non-classroom setting, including:

· 400,000 annual visitors.

· 1 million learners worldwide use NYSCI’s digital products.

· 3,000 local teachers participate in professional development each year.

· 1,000 high-school and college students benefit from mentoring opportunities in STEM fields every year.

· 95 percent of the more than 4,000 young people participating in NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder program over the last three decades have gone on to college.

· 70 percent of the Science Career Ladder alumni work in STEM fields.

· NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder is formally accredited by Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, recognizing the program for broadening participation in STEM and equity-aligned quality standards.

For more information, visit nysci.org. Follow NYSCI on Twitter and Instagram: @nysci, and on Facebook at: facebook.com/nysci.

Name: NYSCI Media Office

Contact: press@nysci.org