Pacific Science Center Welcomes Kevin Malgesini as New CEO and President

Pacific Science Center Welcomes Its New Leadership

The Pacific Science Center (PacSci) has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Kevin Malgesini as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it continues its mission to engage and inspire the community through science and education. The appointment follows a comprehensive leadership transition process initiated by the board of directors.

Kevin Malgesini joins PacSci from the Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT), where he served as Managing Director since 2018. Under his leadership, SCT made great strides in promoting the arts within the community and enhancing the theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. Prior to his role at SCT, Kevin also held the positions of Advancement Director at Town Hall Seattle and Donor Relations Manager at Intiman Theatre. His extensive background in organizational leadership, fundraising, and community engagement uniquely qualifies him to lead PacSci into its next chapter.

The board's decision to appoint Kevin is a culmination of a thoughtful succession planning process that was initiated in early 2022. The outgoing President and CEO, Will Daugherty, who has led the organization since December 2015, will remain in a transitional role to ensure a smooth handover. Kevin will officially take on the role starting June 1, 2026, allowing for a month of overlap to facilitate a seamless transition.

Chair of the PacSci Board of Directors, Jembaa Mai, stated, "Kevin is an exceptional leader who brings vision and deep community connection. The board is enthusiastic about this appointment and confident that Kevin is the right person to carry our mission of igniting curiosity and fostering a passion for discovery forward. We are profoundly grateful to Will Daugherty for the extraordinary foundation he has built over more than a decade, and we could not be more excited to see what Kevin will accomplish as he takes the helm."

Moreover, Sarah Buhayar, Chair of the Selection Committee, expressed her excitement about Kevin's appointment: "Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Kevin possesses the ability to manage complex, impactful programs, as well as a proven track record in capacity building. Importantly, he is adept at inspiring others around a shared mission. We are confident that his leadership will strengthen PacSci's impact for years to come."

The board of directors formed a selection committee in mid-2025, which engaged Egon Zehnder—a well-known firm in executive talent search—to conduct a nation-wide search for the new CEO. After evaluating numerous candidates and conducting multiple rounds of interviews, Kevin's selection was unanimously approved by the board in mid-March 2026.

As Kevin prepares to step into this vital role, he is poised to foster innovation and enhance educational initiatives within the community. Under his leadership, PacSci aims to further its commitment to science education, engaging visitors of all ages, and nurturing a passion for discovery that inspires the next generation of innovators.

It’s evident that this new chapter in PacSci's history holds great promise, and with Kevin Malgesini at the helm, the future looks bright for this beloved institution in Seattle. As he transitions from SCT to PacSci, the community eagerly anticipates the new ideas and energy he will bring to the organization. By promoting curiosity and a love for science, Kevin aims to build on the solid foundation established by his predecessor, ensuring that PacSci continues to be a leader in science education and community engagement for years to come.