Karen Knecht will be the Lancaster Science Factor's new executive director, the interactive science and technology museum announced Monday.
Effective Aug. 7, Knecht will succeed Emily Landis, the former executive director since 2013 who stepped away from the role in September. Development Director Rob Reed served as interim executive director during the museum's search for Landis' replacement.
Knecht previously worked at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown where she held a number of roles, including her most recent position as the Vice President of STEAM Education and Strategic Initiatives.
“I am appreciative of my experiences at Da Vinci and am excited to bring the skills I developed there to the Lancaster Science Factory,” Knecht said in a press release. “LSF is an incredible asset to Lancaster and the region, and I look forward to working with the LSF team and the community to maximize our impact.”
Knecht was chosen to fill the executive director role after a nearly yearlong nationwide search.
“We are so happy to have Karen join us to lead the Science Factory into its new phase of success,” said LSF Board President Rich Young in a press release. “Her deep knowledge and love of STEM education, as well as her career in science center leadership, will be vital to the continued growth of the organization. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff for their extra effort and dedication to a seamless transition for guests and stakeholders over the past 10 months during the search for a new Executive Director. Their teamwork and expertise are not only commendable, but embody the values of the organization, and have positioned LSF for an even brighter future.”
For more information about the Lancaster Science Factory, visit lancastersciencefactory.org.
