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TAMPA, Fla. (970 WFLA) - The president of the Museum of Science and Industry is out, following a tumultuous year where the troubled institution failed to meet financial expectations.
Molly Demeulenaere resigned as CEO of MOSI, after the museum had attendance fall by 20 percent in 2016. MOSI had a $1.3 million deficit.
“It has been an honor to serve MOSI these past five years and to impact the lives of the millions of guests who have come here to learn and explore during my time at MOSI,” Demeulenaere said in a news release announcing her departure.
“Molly’s hard work and her dedication to MOSI’s mission have made science education accessible and enjoyable for millions of people in our area and visitors from around the world,” said MOSI Board of Directors Chair Mike Schultz.
Last year, MOSI turned down a $400,000 loan from Hillsborough County with the hopes of turning around its finances.
The shakeup comes as MOSI plans to make a big change. The museum is moving from North Tampa to downtown at Jeff Vinik's channelside development.
The planned move is going forward as the museum's board searches for a replacement for Demeulenaere.
photo credit: MOSI