The Museum will launch a national search for the Museum’s next CEO this summer.

Jacksonville, Fla. — July 25, 2023 — The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today announced that Bruce Fafard, the Museum’s CEO, will retire in February 2024.

Fafard was appointed as the Museum’s CEO in October 2020, following progressive roles as a volunteer consultant, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and interim CEO earlier that year. One of his immediate priorities was to grow and stabilize MOSH’s attendance after COVID-19 lockdown measures were lifted; today, MOSH has restored its annual attendance to pre-pandemic levels. This success is linked with the development of new programs aligned with the Museum’s mission to inspire the joy of lifelong learning — ranging from the formation of an on-site voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program in partnership with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), to the “Silver Space Series” that provides dedicated time for seniors (ages 55+) to experience planetarium shows and programming at their own pace. Additionally, MOSH debuted its “Passport Series,” presenting numerous events each quarter that celebrate the region’s diverse cultures. Recent examples of Passport Series events included a Black History Month-focused collaboration with the Melanin Market and A Taste of the Philippines, showcasing cuisine by Filipino chefs.

Fafard notified the Museum’s Board Chair of his intent to retire in early 2023. The Board convened a CEO search committee in January 2023 to begin planning for this transition.

“I first approached the Museum to volunteer my services at the start of the pandemic. It was clear to me then — and remains clear to me now — that this Museum is an essential cultural institution of this community. It has been a true honor to dedicate my full attention to MOSH’s mission over the past several years,” said Fafard. “In the months ahead, I look forward to working with our Board to ensure a smooth transfer to the next leader selected to serve our incredible Members, staff, Board of Trustees and community partners.”

Fafard plans to remain in his position through February 2024, with the intent that a new CEO would be hired and become acclimated to the organization before his departure. He is supported by a capable executive team, which is overseeing a growth in staff as the Museum prepares for future operations on the Northbank of the St. Johns River. The MOSH Genesis capital campaign will continue throughout this transitional period under the existing leadership of Jill Davis, Board Vice Chair and Chair of the capital campaign cabinet; Maureen Mercho, Chief Development Officer; and Christian Harden, Chair of the MOSH Genesis Oversight Committee. Preconstruction sitework for the new Museum is currently underway.

“Bruce has been an exceptional leader for MOSH. With every decision, he has prioritized the Museum’s best interests – which is evidenced by his thoughtfulness in working with us to plan his well-deserved retirement. As a result of his leadership, MOSH is in a prime position to build upon its 80+ years of service to this community,” said William Magevney, Chair of the MOSH Board of Trustees.

The MOSH Board of Trustees has retained Kittleman to lead a national search. Details about the position will be shared later this summer at kittlemansearch.com and themosh.org.

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About The Museum of Science & History (MOSH)

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $19.95 for adults; $16.95 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum Members. Learn more at themosh.org.

Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.