June 16, 2008--Dr. Brian Tonner, President and CEO of the Orlando Science Center, has announced his resignation effective August 1, 2008. Since 2003, Tonner has led the Science Center through major changes, including a revitalization of the organization. He is planning to return to research and education in the field of physics.
    
“It has been an honor to lead the Orlando Science Center to this level of accomplishment. I leave the organization confident of its continued success,” Tonner said.

During his tenure, Tonner increased the Science Center’s financial stability, produced its first large-scale original exhibit, Touch the Sky; created Otronicon, a model for community collaboration and special events that explores the science behind video games; and launched Our Body: The Universe Within, the Science Center’s first blockbuster exhibit, almost doubling attendance during its year-long run.

“The Board of Trustees appreciates the vision and passion that Dr. Tonner brought to the Orlando Science Center,” said Michael Harding, Chair of the Center’s Board of Trustees. “In the past five years, Brian has been able to develop a strong team, which will continue this legacy of achievement. We wish him well in his next endeavor.”

Current Chief Operating Officer, JoAnn Newman, will serve as interim president while the board of trustees conducts a national search. The search committee will be comprised of select Science Center trustees, community partners, and educational representatives.

The Orlando Science Center is entering the summer season with a strong schedule of new exhibits, giant screen films, and live shows, as well as a bustling camp program. Guests can enjoy engaging exhibits like Rockwell’s America, Beakman’s World, and Titanic - The Experience; watch prehistoric sea monsters on the giant screen; and experience evening events like The Big Bang live explosion show and classic rock laser light shows coming in July.