Following a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) announced today that Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Arizona Science Center, will succeed David Mosena as President and CEO of one of the largest science museums in the world. Mosena is retiring at the end of the year after 23 years leading MSI.
The first woman and Black American to lead MSI, Humphrey is a long-time, successful leader in the museum field. She has served as CEO of the Phoenix-based Arizona Science Center (ASC) for nearly 15 years. Prior to being named CEO in 2005, Humphrey served in multiple roles with the institution.
In a statement provided to MSI, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot said: “The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the brightest stars in Chicago’s cultural universe, and we eagerly welcome the historic appointment of Chevy Humphrey as the first Black woman to hold the role as CEO and President. I personally look forward to collaborating with Chevy on new ways to inspire both our young people and visitors of all ages to engage with cutting-edge scientific advances, understand our rich history, and participate in our even richer future as a global leader in innovation and discovery.”
Humphrey is recognized as a leader on national and international levels. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the American Alliance of Museums, the largest international association of museums in the world. She was selected by her peers as Chair of the Board of the Association of Science and Technology Centers, the organization that serves more than 500 science centers in more than 50 countries.
Humphrey, who starts her new job in January, said, “Leading MSI has been an aspiration of mine throughout my career. I am grateful to Arizona and the Center for the opportunity to lead in their community. I am thrilled to be joining MSI and Chicago and look forward to being a part of this iconic institution at a critical time in our country’s history.”
During Humphrey’s tenure at ASC, museum assets grew from $3 million to $42 million, annual revenues grew by more than 200 percent, and the number of annual visitors, onsite and offsite, to the Science Center has more than tripled. Under her leadership, two non-profits were acquired to maximize programming and ASC became a trusted partner to state education leaders and the science teaching community.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity.