FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 29, 2024
The Discovery Center Names New CEO
Springfield, MO—The Discovery Center of Springfield Inc. has announced that current COO, Tyler Moles, will become the fourth Chief Executive Officer for the downtown nonprofit that incorporated in 1991 and has grown to be a national powerhouse in museums, science centers, and formal schooling.
The nonprofit board chose Tyler Moles to succeed Rob Blevins, who was hired as the Chief Operating Officer of the Yass Prize, which is the $1 million award the Discovery Center won in 2021. Blevins took over Discovery Center in January 2018 when Meleah Spencer accepted the CEO role at the Kitchen Inc., and Spencer replaced founding director Emily Fox in March 2014. Tyler Moles came to the Discovery Center in 2021 from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, where he was the President and Founder of the Think Big Foundation.
“In stepping into the role of CEO at the Discovery Center of Springfield, I am deeply honored to lead an institution that stands at the forefront of inspiring the next generation,” said Tyler Moles. “It is through nurturing these young minds today that we pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future for Springfield and the Ozarks. As a community, our greatest achievements lie not just in what we build today, but in whom we inspire for tomorrow. It is our duty to make that future as bright and promising as possible.”
Moles is a Springfield Business Journal 2022 Men of the Year awardee, a 2016 40 under 40 awardee, and a participant in Leadership Springfield Signature Class 46. He is an active member of Southeast Rotary.
“I’ve known Tyler since before he helped me get my first job in the nonprofit sector,” said Rob Blevins. “There isn’t a harder working or more passionate human being than Tyler. He’s also one of the most creative people I know, too, but the best thing about him is that he will do whatever it takes to serve our kids. I truly believe that the mission is in better hands and that we’re going to benefit as a community for generations to come because of not only what he is going to do as CEO but because of what he’s already done.”
““As a board, it was an easy decision. At a time when we are seeing incredible growth in both our school and our center, it only makes sense for us to maintain momentum as an organization and put our institution in Tyler’s very capable hands. His consistent ability to lead through challenges and make the most of opportunities has significantly advanced our mission. I have no doubt that with his hard work and creativity that we will grow into something that will be incredible and sustainable.” said Board President AJ Exner.
As CEO, Moles will lead a nonprofit that he has helped launch into the national spotlight. As the Chief Operating Officer, he helped secure the Yass Prize, build the new Jurassic Discovery–Unearthed by Central Bank exhibit, oversee planning and construction of the Center’s new outdoor play area, install an indoor, interactive playground, and design the Center’s indoor recycling exhibit—among many major infrastructure improvements and other achievements.
For requests for media interviews, please contact Tyler Moles, Discovery Center’s Chief Executive Officer, at 417.379.0461 or by email at tmoles@discoverycenter.org.
The Discovery Center is a GuideStar Platinum certified non-profit science center, children’s museum, and private school district (the Discovery School) that serves the educational needs of 5 countries, over 30 states, and over 100,000 annual visitors and was the inaugural Yass Prize of Education winner from the Center for Education Reform and Forbes in 2021, the Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC) Community Service Award winner in 2022, the Springfield Business Journal’s Top Honors – 2023 Economic Impact Award (21 – 35 Years in Business) winner, and Macaroni KID Awards’ Best Place for Indoor Fun, Best Place for Playdate, Best Children’s Birthday Party Venue in 2023.
Discovery School is an accredited, premier independent educational institution operating two schools in Springfield, Missouri. With a focus on academic excellence and holistic development, the school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for students age 2 and up to thrive. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning, Discovery School empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
Discovery Center of Springfield inspires curiosity and a life-long love of learning through memorable and engaging hands-on experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education by delivering a world-class experience through cutting edge science.
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