October 27, 2006
BISHOP MUSEUM CEO TO HEAD PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM
**Bill Brown Named New President of The Academy of Natural Sciences**
HONOLULU - Dr. Bill Brown, president and CEO of Bishop Museum, has been named the next president of The Academy of Natural Sciences. Brown will begin his duties at the Philadelphia museum on February 1, 2007.
Brown has headed Bishop Museum since October 1, 2001. During his five-year tenure, the Museum eliminated its annual operating deficit, doubled endowment, built and opened the $17-million Science Adventure Center, and in July, began the first major restoration and renovation project of historic Hawaiian Hall. Also under Brown's leadership, the Museum now has a Board of Directors that includes a majority of Native Hawaiians, a first for the century-old institution. These accomplishments have helped further the Museum's mission "to study, preserve and tell the stories of the cultures and natural history of Hawai'i and the Pacific," provided additional educational opportunities for visitors and residents, and continued to make the Museum a viable part of the community.
"It has been an honor and pleasure to have led Bishop Museum for the last five years," said Brown. "There were challenges along the way, but with the support of the Board of Directors and the work of our highly qualified staff, the Museum is now much stronger, and headed for a great future."
Under the direction of Chairman David Hulihe'e, the Board of Directors has begun the search for the next President and CEO of Bishop Museum. "Dr. Brown's expertise in all areas important to our mission served Bishop Museum well during his five years here. We were fortunate to have a person of his caliber lead the museum in its growth, and we look forward to finding the right person to continue our shared vision," Hulihe'e said.
Before joining Bishop Museum, Brown held several positions in government and the public sector in Washington, D.C. including service as the science advisor to Bruce Babbitt, secretary of the interior in the Clinton administration.
With 425,000 visitors expected this year, Bishop Museum serves as one of Hawai'i's top destinations, providing hands-on educational experiences to help residents and visitors appreciate and embrace Hawai'i's rich culture. By combining education, history and culture, the Museum strives to fulfill its mission set with its founding in 1889, "to study, preserve and tell the stories of the cultures and natural history of Hawai'i and the Pacific." Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, plus special rates for kama'aina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.
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