The Memphis Museums of Science and History (MoSH) is on the hunt for a new executive director after longtime leader Kevin Thompson resigned at the end of 2025. The leadership shakeup leaves the nonprofit that runs the Pink Palace Museum, Lichterman Nature Center, and several historic properties in a transition that could influence future exhibits, school partnerships, and fundraising plans.
Board Opens Search After Thompson’s Exit
According to the Daily Memphian, museum trustees have confirmed Thompson’s resignation and launched a search for his replacement. The outlet reports that the position became vacant at the end of 2025 and that the board is coordinating the recruitment process for the next executive director.
Exhibits Stay Open While Leadership Changes
For visitors, it is business as usual. MoSH’s public calendars and visitor pages show that the Pink Palace and Lichterman Nature Center remain open with regular hours and scheduled programs while the board conducts its search. The organization’s listings also note the Mallory‑Neely Historic Property and the Coon Creek Science Center as part of the same museum system. Visitor information and contact details are available on the MoSH website.
Thompson’s Tenure And Priorities
Thompson stepped into the executive director role in January 2020 and oversaw a rebrand that put equal weight on science and local history while building out community-facing STEM programming. Coverage of those strategic shifts, including the museum’s moves into digital engagement and its partnerships with schools and local cultural groups, appears in a profile by the American Alliance of Museums.
What To Watch Next
Local cultural leaders and donors are now watching for a formal job posting and word on whether an interim director will be named. Initial reporting on the leadership change appeared in the Daily Memphian. As of Feb. 10, 2026, MoSH’s press and news pages did not include a dedicated announcement about the leadership change, so additional details are likely to surface through future statements from the board or the museum. More updates are expected to appear on the MoSH press page.
