ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mel Drumm, president and chief executive officer of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, has announced that he is leaving the organization at the end of this year. Drumm has served in this leadership role for the last 18 years, helping to steer the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum through numerous opportunities and solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for kids of all ages.
“While no transition is easy, I believe we are at an opportune point; we have navigated the pandemic, restored our traditional in-the-black operations, and are closing in on a new strategic plan to guide us over the next several years,” Drumm said. “Serving as the president and CEO of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has been a wonderful adventure and an experience of a lifetime. As I reflect upon my tenure, we have surpassed even my expectations for success.”
A key accomplishment of Drumm’s tenure was the merger of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science and Nature Center (LSNC). Through visitors, community outreach, and education programs, combined, the two organizations reach approximately 400,000 people annually. Under his leadership, the Museum and LSNC also partnered with Ypsilanti-based Yankee Air Museum to create “Unity in Learning”, which offers a multitude of different programs at the three organization’s facilities, on-site at a hosted location such as a school or community center, or through nation-wide interactive video conferencing.
Highlights from Drumm’s tenure include the creation of several exciting new exhibits including STEAM Park, Engineers on a Roll, H2Oh!, and All About You. Drumm was instrumental in fostering broad collaborative partnerships with peer organizations and funders alike. He worked tirelessly to secure support for the Museum’s Discover Science Assistance Fund and for the endowment, providing operating support and scholarships for school field trips to the Museum.
"Mel has created an exceptional legacy and is leaving the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and LSNC in a very strong position. We are thankful for his work and grateful that he will help the organization transition to new leadership," said Donald Burke, principal at Rehmann and chair of the Museum's Board of Trustees. "The programming and activities at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, LSNC, and our Unity in Learning partners, developed under Mel's leadership, provide a solid foundation to continue to grow our reach and achieve our mission. While change is always hard, we have an incredible staff and Board of Trustees who will not only ensure a seamless transition but will also be part of developing plans for the future."
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum’s Board of Trustees will launch a search for Drumm’s successor in fall, 2022.
About Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and its partners provide nearly 400,000 people annually with informal science learning experiences across southeast Michigan and beyond. Through its Unity in Learning initiative, the Museum, the Leslie Science & Nature Center, and the Yankee Air Museum jointly provide STEM, nature and environment, and aviation and aerospace informal learning opportunities to people of all ages through exhibits, programs and demonstrations. For more information, visit www.aahom.org.
