Science North CEO to step down

Jim Marchbank, CEO of Science North, will step down from the position on May 6.

Marchbank said when Science North reopens in March, it will have undergone the biggest exhibit change in its history, and feels it would be a “great time for new ideas, new enthusiasm and new leadership” to take over.

During his 25-year term as CEO, Marchbank lead a “continuously changing science centre,” according to a press release from Science North.

In that time, the building grew to take over the former Bell Grove arena, added the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery and the Imax theatre. Marchbank also lead the development of the Dynamic Earth project.

Under his leadership, Science North also sold and leased exhibits around the world.

While at the helm of the science centre, Marchbank also served as the president of the Giant Screen Cinema Association and the Canadian Association of Science Centres. He also spent two terms on the board of the Association of Science Technology Centres.

Once he steps down from the CEO seat, Marchbank said he plans to take the summer off before looking for work again.

“I don't plan another full-term long-term job but I think I could offer my experience through part-time, short-term or consulting work in the science centre, and cultural and tourism industry sectors both in Canada and abroad,” he stated. “I look forward to new professional challenges.”

Scott Lund, chair of Science North, said Marchbank “ensured the science centre has clear and focused goals that were shared by the whole organization.”

Lund credits Marchbank for making Science North a “leader in informal science learning.”

The search for Science North's next CEO will begin soon, according to Lund. He said Science North plans to appoint someone before Marchbank leaves.