New CEO for Discovery Science Place

TYLER — Tyler’s Discovery Science Center has a new chief executive officer. He is Phil Lindsey, who has previously been at The Health Museum in Houston, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios in California. Introduced to the community by Henry Bell, president of the DSP Board of Directors, Lindsey brings what museum officials term “a wholly unique mix of talent, background and education.” Officials add that “he’s an experienced designer, film maker and geek, qualities perfectly suited to the science museum field.”

“What really drives me is the ability to help lead and create visitor experiences that are fun, fulfilling, engaging and relevant as well as being commercially viable and self sustaining,” explained Lindsey. “I love taking risks and I love entrepreneurial thinking, that is the only way for the field to advance in these fast moving times.”

Museum officials say Lindsey is “a passionate visionary” when it comes to creating unique and relevant cultural visitor experiences. Lindsey has vast experience in museum leadership, exhibit and programming design and business development. He serves on the board of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions), the board of the IAAPA Foundation, holds a B.A. in Theatre from University of California, Irvine and a M.B.A. from Rice University – Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.

According to a news release, Lindsey’s years with Disney gave him an appreciation of designing for audiences while his love of science gives him an enthusiasm for teaching. “Often the hardest thing for a cultural institution to realize is that in the eyes of their community, they are often just another fun thing to do on a weekend with the kids,” stated Lindsey. “Our challenge [at Discovery Science Place] is to make that fun trip more enriching and fulfilling than they were expecting, and in the process create a lifelong passion for learning and an appreciation of science in all its forms. Plus, we get to play with some really cool stuff.”

Recognized among the top 25 science centers in the nation by Parents magazine and named the Best Downtown Business in Texas in 2009 by the Texas Downtown Association, the Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment with a mission of igniting curiosity in young minds through fun, hands-on exploration.