m/Oppenheim Seeking New President and CEO for The Discovery
March 7, 2025 – The Discovery in Reno, NV, has retained non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Mark Oppenheim, Lisa Grossman, and Kevin Redick are leading the assignment. The CEO will lead and financially strengthen The Discovery as it continues its evolution as a unique institution that engages children through play and exploration of science, invention, innovative thinking and Nevada’s landscapes. This is the beginning of a key chapter at The Discovery. The CEO will be an inspiring, charismatic and diplomatic leader who is active in the community and engages new and existing supporters through consistent outreach, programs that engage, and by positioning the museum as a central asset to Greater Reno, its residents, visitors and businesses.
Reporting to the board, the CEO is accountable for managing all aspects of the museum’s exhibitions, education and public programming, operations and revenue generation. The CEO will develop and implement a strategic plan and revenue development strategy that includes specific success metrics including contributed and earned revenue, museum attendance by diverse audience cohorts, and programming that aligns to Nevada’s education standards for children and adults.
Candidates must have strong management and leadership experience in a museum, school, children’s entertainment, or experiential learning environment that attracts a similar audience mix of adults and children. They should have a deep understanding of ways to engage and build audience as well as experience cultivating ties within the community that help drive museum attendance and funding support. Deep and current experience in raising the public profile of institutions dedicated to playful learning for children and adults; an extensive background in education and the methods and practices of teaching would be an advantage is also needed. Those applying should also have the ability to work successfully with donors, community leaders, educators, artists, community members and the museum’s board to strengthen the museum.
The Discovery’s mission is to inspire and it is the place to experience science for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and interests. Opened in 2011, today The Discovery provides engaging exhibitions, programs, and playful, joyful learning experiences that connect nearly 200,000 visitors annually to scientific phenomena and methods. The next CEO’s objectives include expanding the building, installing new and evolving current exhibits, and developing programs that engage 300,000 visitors annually while ensuring that the museum is financially strong.
Non-Profits Specialists
San Francisco-based m/Oppenheim was founded by Mr. Oppenheim after a 28-year career in organizational development, professional services, and executive search consulting. The organization goes back to two firms founded by the Oppenheim family: CM Oppenheim & Associates, a New York-based company which later extended its operations into Europe, and Phillips Oppenheim, based in New York and focusing on service to non-profits.
After a career spanning the business, non-profit and government sectors, in 2003 Mr. Oppenheim joined Phillips Oppenheim and upgraded the firm’s operating infrastructure, founded the West region’s office, extended its presence nationally and drove an expansion of its business. In 2008 the East and West regions split, and Mr. Oppenheim and his team founded m/Oppenheim Associates.
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Ms. Grossman, principal, began her career in executive search in 1995 at Heidrick & Struggles’ San Francisco office in the financial services practice where she served a number of investment banking, private equity, and venture capital clients. She then started her own firm, primarily working with early-stage tech companies in the Silicon Valley, helping them to build out their teams. In 2006, Ms. Grossman joined m/Oppenheim where she leads searches in the arts and culture, social justice, technology, health and human services, education, and global development sectors, and for foundations and associations, spanning a variety CEO and executive leadership roles across the country.
Mr. Redick, principal, has 30 years’ experience as a chief executive, fundraiser and recruiter for youth development, human services, K-12, higher education and healthcare nonprofits. He has strong experience working with economically-disadvantaged communities, and in the process has fostered partnerships with churches, civic groups, legislators, and other community leaders.
Past Search
m/Oppenheim recently recruited Blake-Anthony Johnson as the new CEO of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation (NOJHFF). Don Marshall, who announced his retirement last year, will serve as a valuable resource to Johnson and staff during this transition. The foundation’s board is confident in Mr. Johnson’s unique combination of experience and vision. NOJHFF board chair Rachel Cousin stated: “Blake-Anthony Johnson is a visionary leader whose artistic background, accomplishments, and civic engagement align perfectly with the mission of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.”
“We are excited to welcome Blake-Anthony as CEO and look forward to working with him and our phenomenal staff to strengthen partnerships, support our culture bearers, and continue to build collaboration to support and perpetuate New Orleans’ and the state’s rich heritage,” said Tara Hernandez, immediate past board chair and chair of the search committee. “Blake-Anthony brings intellect, insight, an extraordinary depth of experience, and relationships that will enhance our work and our long-term strategic plan.”
Related: How Non-Profits Can Identify and Recruit Their Next Great Leader
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
