VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 18, 2016) - Science World, one of Vancouver's most popular cultural attractions and a nationally recognized leader in science learning, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott D. Sampson as its incoming President and CEO. He becomes the fifth CEO of Science World, officially assuming his new role on July 4, 2016.
Sampson, a Vancouver native, currently serves as the Vice President of Research & Collections and Chief Curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. DMNS is one of the top natural history institutions in the US, attracting almost two million visitors in 2015. In addition to being a member of the Museum's senior leadership team, Sampson has been responsible for leading a large group of scientists while spearheading multi-institutional, collaborative efforts in the Metro Denver community.
"I am deeply honored to be selected for this role," Sampson said. "For many years I've been working to engage people in science, with the belief that science literacy is critical to a healthy, thriving society. I am very excited to return to Vancouver in this new capacity and to have the opportunity to build on Science World's outstanding reputation."
In addition to being a museum executive, Sampson is a renowned dinosaur paleontologist and science communicator. He regularly speaks to audiences of all ages on a range of topics, and has authored multiple books, including the recent, How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature. He is perhaps best known as "Dr. Scott the Paleontologist," on-air host and science advisor of the Emmy-nominated PBS KIDS television series, Dinosaur Train, produced by the Jim Henson Company.
Walter Segsworth, Board Chair, said that the Board selected Sampson from an impressive list of candidates. Segsworth continued, "We look forward to welcoming Scott as the new leader of this great organization. He brings tremendous credentials and the vision to drive Science World's mission and make a big impact on the science and technology community."
Prior to DMNS, Sampson held positions at the Natural History Museum of Utah, the New York Institute of Technology, the American Museum of Natural History, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Sciences Center. He received his undergraduate degree in anthropology from UBC, followed by a Masters in anthropology and a Ph.D. in zoology and from the University of Toronto.
Sampson will be relocating to Vancouver with his wife Toni and daughter Jade. At Science World, he will replace Bryan Tisdall, the long-standing and current President and CEO, who will retire after 19 years of service on June 30, 2016.
Segsworth noted, "We have benefited greatly from Bryan's leadership and guidance. Bryan has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues both within Science World and the broader community in BC. We thank him for his 19 wonderful years."
About Science World
Science World British Columbia is a charitable organization that engages British Columbians in science and inspires future science and technology leadership throughout our province.
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Contact Information:
For further information contact:
Charlotte Gilmour
Tel: 604.689.5559
Email: cgilmour@peakco.com
