Drexel and the Academy of Natural Sciences on Wednesday tapped a top leader in Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration to temporarily lead the Academy.
Patricia “Trish” Wellenbach, deputy mayor and former president of the Please Touch Museum, has been named senior adviser to the Academy. She is on loan from the city and will not receive any compensation, Drexel and the Academy said in a joint statement Wednesday.
Wellenbach will continue to work for the city and serve the Academy until longer-term leadership is appointed.
“Ms. Wellenbach has had a distinguished career spanning nonprofit leadership, healthcare, governance and public service,” said the announcement from Drexel President Antonio Merlo and Suzanne Biemiller, chair of the Academy’s board of trustees.
» READ MORE: The Academy of Natural Sciences is closing its museum after nearly two centuries
The announcement comes one day after Drexel and the Academy said they would close the Academy’s museum effective Sept. 30 and that Academy CEO Scott Cooper would be stepping down immediately. Sept. 27 will be the last day the museum will be open to the public.
Wellenbach will “help ensure continuity during the transition” the statement said. Cooper will remain on as a consultant and assist as needed.
This is a developing story.