March 16, 2022

For Immediate Release – March 16, 2022 | 11 am

Media Contact:
Matt Pusateri, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
(919) 220-5429 x390
matt.pusateri@lifeandscience.org

Photo link: bit.ly/MLS-Lisa

DURHAM, NC – The Museum of Life and Science is excited to welcome Lisa Ruth into the newly-created role of Vice President for People and Culture.

As the new Vice President for People and Culture, Ruth will serve as a member of the executive team, advancing and expanding the Museum’s commitment to an organizational culture of equity, integrity, transparency, and respect. In addition, she will lead all human resources operations, recruiting, and staff engagement efforts to ensure that the Museum supports a culture that attracts and retains staff and volunteers committed to our mission.

“The Museum is so beloved by the Durham community, as well as by me and my family. I’m looking forward to being a part of it and to seeing how I can help,” Ruth said. “I’m excited to help strengthen a culture of respect and belonging here.”

Before joining the Museum, Ruth served as the Director of Library Human Resources at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she oversaw all human resources activities and served as a member of the leadership team. At UNC, she worked towards creating a more just and equitable library, facilitated sessions on topics such as implicit bias, and served on the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Council. In addition, she led all efforts around recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. Ruth has a JD from Harvard Law School and MLS and BA degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa Ruth join our team,” said Carrie Heinonen, CEO and President of the Museum. “As we continue to recover and grow from the challenges of the last few years, her experience and leadership will help move us toward the goal of making the Museum not only a great place to visit, but one of the best places in the Triangle to work. We’re excited about the leadership she brings to the Museum.”

About the Museum of Life and Science

Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Our 84-acre campus includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. Our interactive experiences include Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, and Aerospace, which features one of the largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts in the state. The Museum is also an AZA-accredited zoo, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, endangered red wolves, and more than 60 species of live animals. This year, the Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary and its ongoing commitment to the communities of Durham, the Triangle, and North Carolina. To learn more, visit lifeandscience.org.

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