EdVenture CEO resigns, accepts new position in Virginia
EdVenture’s Board of Trustees has announced that Karen Coltrane, who has been president and CEO since January 2015, has resigned to accept the position of CEO for the Leadership Center for Excellence in Arlington, Virginia.
Coltrane came to EdVenture from the same position at the Children’s Museum of Richmond in Virginia, where she oversaw expansion of that museum to four locations, doubling revenue and attendance as CEO. While leading EdVenture, Coltrane merged EdVenture with the Children’s Museum of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach and prepared for the opening of the satellite museum in Hartsville. She also expanded the permanent gallery space inside the Columbia location to include a Boeing 757 cockpit protruding through the museum’s outside wall as part of the new FLIGHT exhibit area.
“Karen helped EdVenture through a challenging period and leaves us a much more financially stable organization,” said Dr. John Dozier, EdVenture’s current Board of Trustees Chair. “We have both a plan for continued growth in Columbia and beyond that is wholeheartedly endorsed by the board and a staff fully capable of implementing it. We appreciate Karen’s work to get EdVenture to a good place and will miss her.”
“EdVenture is brimming with potential,” said Coltrane. “But what most excites me is the success we’ve had in expanding access to the museum. Admission funded by our Yes, Every Child Initiative (for children and families on public assistance) has increased from 5,600 people in 2014 to over 24,000 this year. EdVenture offers wonderful museums for families, and it is important that all families can enjoy them.”
James Becker, EdVenture’s incoming chairman of the Board of Trustees said the Board will work over the summer on a leadership transition.
“EdVenture has amazing partnership opportunities. We believe there may be some non-conventional leadership possibilities available as a result and we want to take the time to consider those. In the meantime, the Board fully supports the museum’s leadership team and we look forward to kicking off our 15th Anniversary year this summer.”