May 15, 2009

Exploration Place has accepted Alberto Meloni's resignation as president effective June 5, 2009.

"Al has been exactly what Exploration Place needed - a visionary who turned this organization around," said Helen Healy, Board chairwoman. "He brought the energy and enthusiasm along with the vision and traveling exhibits to bring people in to experience science and learn."

Meloni has served as president since July 2006.

"Under Al's leadership attendance is up, and we have focused on our mission as a science museum," Healy said. "We will now focus even more on fundraising, and add that component to the traveling exhibits and vision."

Meloni brought more than 30 years of non-profit experience to Exploration Place. Before being named president of Exploration Place, he was president and CEO at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Connecticut and at the St. Joseph Museums in Missouri.

According to Healy, a search committee will be appointed immediately, with an interim director to be named soon.