COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- David E. Chesebrough, Ed.D. today announced that he will retire at the end of 2016 as President and CEO of Columbus' Center of Science and Industry (COSI).

"It has been my pleasure to serve as COSI's President and CEO for the past ten years," said David E. 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."

Dr. Chesebrough started as COSI's fourth president in March 2006. During his tenure, COSI has experienced extensive growth and strengthened its position as an important contributor to the cultural and business climate of Central Ohio. COSI expanded its exhibit experiences including digitizing and opening the Planetarium, and hosted major temporary exhibits such as Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit, and BODY WORLDS & The Brain.

COSI was also named the nation's #1 science center for families by Parents magazine in 2008.

Guest experiences also were enriched by the addition of WOSU@COSI, the only working public television station in a science center, and The Ohio State University Labs in Life, with working laboratories staffed by OSU researchers.

Chairman of the Board Michael Louge said, "COSI is well positioned for the future, particularly with the tremendous growth and improvements that are occurring on the Scioto Peninsula. We have David to thank for that. He and his team have guided the organization to a place where COSI will continue to thrive and be an integral part of our city."

COSI Board of Trustees member Tom Dailey is heading the search process for a new CEO. Dailey explained, "The board is engaging a leading firm to conduct a global search, and we have assembled an advisory committee comprised of community and corporate leaders to participate in the process. 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."

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SOURCE Center of Science and Industry (COSI)