Ontario Science Centre announces new Chief Executive Officer

TORONTO, May 23, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Science Centre announced today the appointment of Maurice Bitran as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Science Centre.

"A seasoned executive with a passion for science education, Maurice is ideally suited to lead one of Canada's foremost cultural, educational and tourist attractions," said Brian Chu, Chair of the Ontario Science Centre Board of Trustees. "The Ontario Science Centre has been a world leader in inspiring curiosity and engaging minds in active learning for generations.  We look forward to working with Maurice on continuing to grow and change to meet the needs of the 21st century."

Maurice is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of the Integrated Environmental Policy Division, Ministry of the Environment, where he is responsible for the environmental policy agenda, including climate change, the great lakes, and air and water quality. Maurice was the ADM of Policy and Programs at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, ADM of the Secretariat to the Premier's Jobs and Prosperity Council, and the Ontario chief negotiator for trade negotiations with the European Union. He has also provided strategic and operational leadership in the ministries of Labour, Agriculture, and Energy, Science and Technology.

Maurice has an academic background in physics and astronomy, including a Ph.D. in radioastronomy and has taught science at the grade school, high school, and university level. During his tenure as the 2012 - 13 Ontario Visiting Fellow at the University of Toronto, he taught a graduate course on the role of science in public policy.

"I am very excited to join the Ontario Science Centre, an Ontario icon and one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world," said Maurice Bitran.  "This is a unique opportunity to bring together my passion and experience in science, education, and public service to the furthering of science education and innovation.  I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and the Ontario Science Centre staff towards this goal."

Maurice will assume his new role on June 16^th.

"We would like to thank Lesley Lewis for her leadership over the past 16 years and for staying on as CEO until the selection process was completed", said Brian Chu. "Lesley has led an amazing transformation of the Ontario Science Centre's experience offerings and has championed the Centre's leadership within Canada and internationally. She leaves an indelible impression on a generation of Canadians of the importance of science in today's society."

The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 48 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. Please visit us at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

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