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ECOTARIUM ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AS IT EMERGES FROM HIBERNATION
Museum to begin nationwide search for next President and CEO
Worcester, Mass. (May 13, 2021) – During an unprecedented year which included over seven months in a hibernation period, EcoTarium has been hard at work to lay a path forward to advance its mission to inspire a passion for science and nature.
After weeks of productive and thoughtful discussions, the Board of Trustees and EcoTarium President and CEO Lucy Hale announce that she will be stepping down from her role effective May 28, as her three-year contract comes to end.
The Board appreciates Hale’s strong leadership in improving EcoTarium’s operations, securing the organization’s financial stability, as well as navigating the many challenges of the pandemic which included a near 80% loss of earned revenue. Hale, who joined EcoTarium in 2018 after a long career in science museums and zoos in Texas, oversaw the completion of Wild Cat Station and grew attendance prior to its extended period of closure beginning in March 2020.
“We thank Lucy for her dedication to EcoTarium for three years,” said Sherri Pitcher, Chair of EcoTarium’s Board of Trustees. “Her clear and unwavering vision for the organization guided us during one of the toughest periods in our nearly 200-year history. On behalf of the Board, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Lucy and truly wish her the best in her next endeavor.”
“It’s been a true honor to serve this historic institution and vibrant community,” Hale said. “The museum has emerged from the pandemic in a strong position, and the team has a solid plan in place to carefully bring all of our offerings and experiences back online in a financially sustainable fashion, with the long – term health of the museum as the top priority.”
The Board of Trustees is conducting a nationwide search for a new President and CEO. Kerry Castorano, EcoTarium’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement, will serve as acting President and CEO. Castorano has been a part of the organization since February 2017.
EcoTarium opened its outdoor campus to members and guests on Friday, April 23, and hopes to open its indoor exhibits and activities over the summer. The EcoTarium’s regular hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance with the exception of those using free or reciprocal passes. For more information, please visit our website ecotarium.org.