Arizona Science Center Board of Trustees announced today that Chevy Humphrey will leave her role as President and CEO, effective December 31, 2020. Humphrey first joined the Science Center in 1998 and became CEO in 2005. In her new role, Humphrey will be the first woman and Black American to lead the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
“Chevy has played a critical role in building a strong foundation for Arizona Science Center, which has resulted in its major growth and success. Chevy’s visionary leadership has helped transform Arizona Science Center into a globally recognized science learning institution. In partnership with the Board, under Chevy’s leadership the center has tripled its attendance and impact, on-site and off-site, serving every county in Arizona,” said Mary Martuscelli, Arizona Science Center Board Chair. “It is with great gratitude, and yes, sadness, that we share the news of her departure. We are committed to finding another dynamic leader who will continue to build upon that foundation and bring science engagement and learning to our community. We are very grateful for Chevy’s numerous contributions, both to the Center and to the community overall and we wish her nothing but success in her new role.”
The ASC Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for a new CEO and will ensure the Science Center’s continued success and a smooth transition.
“I will forever cherish my time at Arizona Science Center. The Board and community have provided constant, invaluable support to both me personally, and in helping me lead the Science Center to become the world class institution it is today,” said Chevy Humphrey. “I am extremely proud of the deep bench of strong team leaders who will continue to innovate and drive success for the organization.”
Humphrey is known throughout the community for her passion for science engagement and science literacy for people of all ages. During her tenure, the Science Center has grown to become one of the most popular cultural attractions in the state of Arizona. As CEO, she created a well-run organization that adopted many best practices from business to deliver strong profits, sustainable business growth and innovative, high-impact programs and services to the community. She led the addition of CREATE, a 6,500 square foot physical workspace that brings together science, design, and engineering for the community’s use. And under her leadership, the Center acquired two non-profits to maximize programming for the community. Humphrey spearheaded a $30 million capital campaign to build a brand-new ADA-accessible lobby at the Science Center with new and renewed exhibits. Today, the Science Center is in an extremely healthy financial and business position. Even through the pandemic, it remains in a strong cash position, with cash reserves, a healthy endowment, and zero debt.
Humphrey also catalyzed efforts to bring numerous exciting, interactive, traveling exhibitions to the community including “Body Worlds,” “Titanic,” “Jurassic Park,” “Pompeii: The Exhibition,” “Mummies of the World,” “Van Gogh Alive,” “RACE: Are We So Different?,” “Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition,” and most recently the world premiere of “Victoria the T. rex Exhibition.” Additionally, through her leadership, the Science Center has expanded its programming beyond its own walls; the Science
Center has programs that operate in the community; staff are now embedded in schools and districts supporting teachers; and virtual programming, such as CONNECT at Arizona Science Center, has launched with tremendous success. The Science Center’s Learning Team is now a trusted partner of the state public education system, providing a wide array of professional development resources so teachers can transform their classrooms into hubs for science learning, and hosting field trips for students from across the state.
Humphrey has also had a tremendous impact on the global science center community. She has served as the board chair for the Association of Science and Technology Centers. And she currently serves as the board chair for the American Alliance of Museums, the only organization representing the entire scope of the museum community. “Chevy is an inspirational advocate for the entire museum field who works tirelessly to nurture all types of institutions, build powerful partnerships, and improve access for the communities that museums serve,” said Laura L. Lott, president and CEO, American Alliance of Museums.
