Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Launches Search for Executive Director
July 28, 2026
Posted by Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
The Board of Directors for Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has launched a national search for the organization’s next Executive Director.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, with a $1.9 million operating budget, serves Northeast Ohio and beyond through free general admission, nature-based education programs, and wildlife rehabilitation services. The Nature Center is an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations, grants, and program fees to deliver its mission. Catherine Timko led the organization for 16 years and announced her departure in May after being named President and CEO of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.
To lead the search process, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has retained Waverly Partners | a Ward Howell company, a nationally recognized executive search firm with extensive experience recruiting senior leaders for nonprofit organizations, associations, chambers of commerce, and mission-driven institutions across the country.
“The Board of Directors is committed to identifying a leader who will build upon Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s nature-based mission and continue advancing its impact throughout the community,” said Zach Stephens, Board President. “We are confident that Waverly Partners’ experience and national reach will help us attract an outstanding and diverse pool of candidates for this important leadership opportunity.”
Waverly Partners | a Ward Howell company will conduct a comprehensive national search to identify candidates who align with Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. The process will include stakeholder engagement and outreach to ensure broad input and perspective throughout the search.
A summary of the Executive Director position and application information are available at www.lensc.org/jobs. For more information about the search or to submit nominations, please contact Waverly Partners | a Ward Howell company at LENSC@Waverly-Partners.com.
About Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Serving children and families since 1945, the nonprofit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a treasured community asset that gives people a living, breathing connection to the natural world through informal science education. A unique combination of resources can be found only at the Nature Center: live animal exhibits, wildlife rehabilitation services, a planetarium, a nature-based preschool, and a park setting along the shores of Lake Erie. Connecting children with nature is the heart of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s mission to educate and inspire each of us to understand, appreciate, and take responsibility for our natural world.
Media Contact
Morgan Haines
Marketing & Development Coordinator
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
440-471-8359
morganh@lensc.org
www.lensc.org
