The Museum of Science & History announced Jan. 19 Bruce Fafard was named the organization’s permanent CEO.
According to a news release, the MOSH board of trustees confirmed Fafard’s appointment Oct. 15, more than three months before the official announcement.
Fafard became the nonprofit museum’s interim CEO on Aug. 5 after former President Maria Hane told the MOSH trustees she was stepping down. She joined MOSH in 2009 as president.
Fafard was hired by MOSH in May as the chief operating officer.
The news release said the MOSH trustees appointed Fafard “after observing the immediate and positive impacts of his leadership on the museum’s operations.”
“Bruce’s enthusiasm for our mission at MOSH is matched by his breadth of experience,” MOSH trustees Chair Christian Harden said in a written statement.
“He joined our team at a challenging time for cultural attractions worldwide and has quickly proven himself to be the leader we need at an important moment in MOSH’s history. The staff, the Board of Trustees and our MOSH Genesis cabinet know Bruce is the ideal partner to execute our vision.”
Since assuming the museum’s top role, Fafard led changes to the MOSH capital facilities campaign to shift plans toward a new museum at the city-owned Shipyards property along the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville.
Renamed MOSH Genesis, the campaign replaced the museum’s effort to renovate its facility at 1025 Museum Circle on the Downtown Southbank.
Fafard said in October the museum wants to secure 4 acres for a proposed $80 million to $90 million facility at the Shipyards and is targeting a 2024 opening.
He said the plan’s central appeal is it will allow MOSH to continue operations at its Southbank facility through construction.
Before coming to MOSH, Fafard served as of 121 Financial Credit Union president and CEO, according to the news release.
He is past chief executive of the Groton, Connecticut-based Scient Federal Credit Union and held a variety of positions at Connex Credit Union.
Fafard has an MBA from the University of New Haven. The release states he also earned the Certified Innovation Executive designation from the Credit Union Executive Society.