Chesebrough welcomes guests to the opening of the COSI Planetarium in 2014 — Photo by Walker Evans.

After 10 years of service as President and CEO of Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry (COSI), David Chesebrough announced today that he plans to retire at the end of the year. Chesebrough was hired for the position in March 2006, and has lead the organization through a transformative period during its 52 year history.

“It has been my pleasure to serve as COSI’s President and CEO for the past ten years,” said Chesebrough. “As I reflect on my time here at COSI, I am proud to have accomplished all that was expected when I was first hired and more; leaving COSI in a great place as I move towards retirement. COSI is strong and has a great team in place to work with the next President and CEO to further serve our community.”

COSI was named the #1 science center in the United States in 2008 by Parents magazine. The center re-opened its new and improved Planetarium in 2014, and multiple world-class exhibitions have been featured at COSI in the past decade.

The search for a new President will include a comprehensive nation-wide search for the next leader at the helm of the organization.

“We are looking for the new COSI leader to build on the great work that has already been done to maximize partnerships and relationships, and further build on the offerings and reputation of this tremendous community asset,” said COSI Board of Trustees member Tom Dailey.

For more information, visit www.cosi.org.