Tom Swanson Named Interim Museum President; Dr. Kirk Johnson Becomes Museum's Chief Curator
DENVER —February 18, 2004—Today, the Trustees of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science announced the appointment of two strong leaders and decision-makers to top administrative positions. Tom Swanson, a Museum Trustee since October 2000 and leader of the Board's Finance Committee, will serve as President of the Museum on an interim basis until a new President is hired. World-renowned paleontologist, Kirk Johnson, Ph.D., will take the lead science position as the Museum's new Chief Curator. Both begin their positions in late March.
“Of course, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science community is delighted at Tom's willingness to serve as President of the Museum on an interim basis during this transition period,” said Robert Thomson, Chairman of the Board. “He is a strong, gifted and seasoned leader. Although he has chosen not to be a candidate for the full-time position, he will keep this institution aggressively on the move as we conduct a diligent national search for Raylene Decatur's permanent replacement. As for Dr. Johnson's appointment as Chief Curator, we couldn't be more thrilled. His research in paleontology and geology is extremely well-known and respected and his enthusiasm for science is contagious.”
Mr. Swanson's leadership will be critical in 2004 as the Museum recruits a new President, prepares for the significant reauthorization campaign for the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, presents science exhibitions and programs and finishes its major fund-raising campaign. He will remain as a voting member of the Board of Trustees during his term as Interim President.
Dr. Johnson, currently chair of the Department of Earth Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, will become the new Chief Curator on March 16, 2004, succeeding Dr. Russell Graham. Dr. Graham has accepted the position of Director of the Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum at Pennsylvania State University . Dr. Johnson will supervise all scientific research at the Museum.
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