The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has found a new leader.
Maryland’s museum administrator and fundraiser Regina Faden has been chosen as president, the museum said in a news release. She will start in Fort Worth on August 7.
“We are delighted to welcome Regina as our new president,” said museum board Chair Marianne Auld. “Her extensive knowledge and experience will continue to move our museum forward.”
The museum recently started a $22 million renovation of the Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater. It also plans to introduce exhibits and programs, including “Cowtown Takes Flight,” a look at Fort Worth’s contributions to aviation.
Faden replaces Orlando Carvalho, who served as interim president for the last 16 months. The museum’s longtime president Van Romans retired in April 2021.
“The board anticipates a seamless transition and a continued focus on museum operations,” Auld said.
Faden has been executive director at two other museums, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, and the Historic St. Mary’s City Living History Museum in southern Maryland. She also was a fundraiser for the Missouri Botanical Garden and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the news release said.
The museum’s priority after Faden’s hiring will be the Omni Theater. The board of directors intends for the theater to become a hub for educational films, live presentations, and community events.
“[The renovation] will feature a colossal digital dome and new immersive sound system, all designed to transport audiences into the heart of scientific discoveries and captivating narratives,” the museum said in a news release.
Board members expect the theater to open in fall 2024.
“We think Jane and John would be thrilled to be part of this project, which will enhance education and foster the growth of our Fort Worth community,” Roy Topham, executive director of the Jane & John Justin Foundation, said in a news release. “The Omni Theater will empower individuals of all ages to explore the wonders of science and ignite their curiosity, paving the way for Fort Worth to be at the forefront of science education.”