VIRGINIA DISCOVERY MUSEUM NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia Discovery Museum appointed Janine Dozier and Beth Solak as Executive Directors, the Museum’s Board of Directors announced Friday, Jan. 13.
Dozier and Solak have served as the Museum’s Interim Executive Directors for the past year and previously were members of VDM’s Board of Directors. During Dozier’s and Solak’s tenure as Interim Executive Directors, the Museum executed a successful 25th anniversary capital campaign, the proceeds of which funded an extensive renovation of the Museum’s front gallery. As a result of the renovation and Museum re-launch, VDM admissions have increased 50 percent over prior year admissions, and memberships have reached a seven-year high for the Museum. Additionally, VDM has expanded its Sponsored Admission Program to include free admission for clients of 34 local social service agencies. A list of partner agencies is available at vadm.org/sponsored-admission-program.
“We are thrilled with the progress the Discovery Museum has made under Beth’s and Janine’s leadership, and we look forward to continued growth,” said Michael Phillips, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Directors. In 2017, Dozier and Solak will continue their work on refining VDM’s exhibits and enhancing programming.
Founded in 1981, the Virginia Discovery Museum provides educational and enrichment opportunities in literacy, science, math, and the arts to the children of the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. It is the mission of the Museum to foster intellectual curiosity and development for all children in our community.
VDM works to prepare local children for elementary school by offering engaging, developmentally appropriate exhibits, programs and events. The Museum’s community events include Kid*Vention, the region’s largest science fair for elementary school-aged children, and the Discovery Dash, an annual children’s race focused on health and wellness. In 2016, VDM welcomed more than 52,000 visitors.
