Museum of Arts and Sciences Announces New Executive Director

The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS) is delighted to announce Mark Walhimer as its next Executive Director, effective October 1, 2024. Mark brings over twenty-five years of experience in the museum industry, specializing in creating interactive, visitor-centered family experiences. His appointment signifies the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MAS. Committed to stimulating curiosity, evoking wonder, and inspiring lifelong learning through dynamic experiences that unite the arts and sciences, Mark will lead MAS into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Mark Walhimer has a distinguished background, including roles such as Vice President of Exhibitions at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana (CA), Chief Operating Officer at Academy Studios, and Director of Special Projects at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. As the managing partner of Museum Planning LLC and a part-time industrial design professor, Mark has worked with numerous prominent museums globally, including Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (TN), Arizona Natural Resources Museum, The Tech Museum (CA), Children’s Museum of San Diego, Habitot Children’s Museum (CA), Wow! Children’s Museum (CO), Detroit Science Center, Fort Worth African American Museum, Shure Corporation Museum, C.O. Polk Interactive Museum (GA), New Orleans’ Jazz Museum, and the Cade Invention and Innovation Museum (FL), among others.

Walhimer is the author of Museums 101, a how-to guide for creating and organizing museums of all varieties, and Designing Museum Experiences, a book on creating inclusive, interactive educational experiences. He also serves as an AAM Peer Reviewer, an IMLS Peer Reviewer, and a Fulbright Specialist. He earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Skidmore College (NY) and a master’s degree in industrial design and exhibition design from Pratt Institute (NY).

Walhimer replaces retiring Executive Director Susan Welsh, who has served since 2012. The national search was conducted over a period of six months by a Search Committee led by MAS Trustee and Visit Macon CEO Gary Wheat. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), MAS is a valuable academic resource and thriving tourism asset that serves an annual audience of nearly 100,000 and attracts visitors from 48 states. In recent years, MAS completed a multi-million-dollar comprehensive campaign that resulted in several major facility improvements, expanded and renovated grounds, strengthened collections, recognition for numerous innovative programs, plus increased endowed funds and emergency cash reserves.

For more information, visit https://masmacon.org/mark-walhimer/

September 2024
Museum of Arts and Sciences
4182 Forsyth Road, Macon, Georgia 31210
(478) 477-3232

In the press:
November 2024: Meet Mark Walhimer, new Museum of Arts and Sciences Director