Media Room

Ontario Science Centre Announces New Chief Executive Officer

The Ontario Science Centre announced today the appointment of Paul Kortenaar as the incoming Chief Executive Officer.

Kortenaar is an innovative museum professional with experience leading science centres in the United States through successful transformations. He currently serves as Executive Director of the El Paso Children’s Museum in El Paso, Texas, and was the Executive Director of SciWorks/Kaleideum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Today’s announcement marks a return for Kortenaar to the Ontario Science Centre, where he was the Director of Education from 2008-2012.

“Paul is an expert in informal science education with a track record of building vibrant visitor experiences and strong public and private sector partnerships,” said Ann Louise Vehovec, Chair of the Ontario Science Centre Board of Trustees. “We look forward to welcoming Paul back to the Centre and to his leadership in creating a transformative vision of this important Ontario cultural and tourism asset.”

Complementing Kortenaar’s science centre leadership experience is his academic background in science and education. With a PhD in Education from York University, Kortenaar has been an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, taught at both high school and university levels, and was the de facto Principal of the Ontario Science Centre Science School.

“I’m tremendously excited for the opportunity to return to the Ontario Science Centre and lead this incredible institution,” said Kortenaar. “I’m passionate about working together with the staff, the government and our entire community to help the Science Centre to achieve its potential to inspire, educate and thrill the children and families of Ontario and beyond.”

Kortenaar will assume his new role on March 30.