Groundbreaking for the new MOSH is scheduled to take place this year, with construction expected to be completed in 2028.<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Alistair Dove<\/a>, CEO of Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History<\/a>, has departed after almost two years on the job amid planning for a $106 million-plus\u00a0new center<\/a>.<\/p>\n An announcement from MOSH board chairwoman Jill Davis said Dove’s decision came “after\u00a0much careful thought and reflection.”<\/p>\n In a separate statement, he did not address the timing of the decision but said he is beginning his “next chapter.”<\/p>\n “I greatly enjoyed working with the team at MOSH to advance public programs, curate new exhibits, develop conceptual\u00a0work for the new museum campus on the Northbank and develop community partnerships across the Jacksonville region,”\u00a0Dove<\/a> said. “As I enter the next chapter, I appreciate the opportunity to have contributed to the MOSH mission during a period of such dynamic change.”<\/p>\n Chief Development Officer Maureen Mercho is now interim executive director in addition to her previous duties, Davis said. A search for a new leader will begin soon, she said.<\/p>\n “We are deeply grateful for Dr. Dove\u2019s leadership and impacts on MOSH. His contributions over the past two years have meaningfully positioned MOSH for its transformative work ahead,” Davis said.<\/p>\n She credited Dove for helping expand MOSH programming and plan “the future museum experience<\/a>.” He also developed programs “that will immerse guests in the engaging natural history of Northeast Florida and the sciences that bridge the past and the future,” she said.<\/p>\n “As we embark on a multi-year journey to build a state-of-the-art museum and campus, we thank Dr. Dove for the strong foundation he helped shape and are grateful for our talented leadership and staff committed to advancing our vision,” Davis said.<\/p>\n Mercho, who has about 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, has already helped raise $95 million toward the new museum, including $50 million in\u00a0city funds<\/a>. As interim CEO, she will “ensure \u2026 forward momentum for MOSH,” Davis said.<\/p>\n Dove, previously vice president of science and education at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, succeeded Bruce Fafard who retired in 2024.<\/p>\n The leadership shift will not impact plans for the new museum.<\/p>\n “The project remains on track,” Davis said.<\/p>\n Formed in 1941, the museum now located near Friendship Fountain on the Southbank of the St. Johns River\u00a0has closed<\/a>.\u00a0Groundbreaking for a new MOSH<\/a>, across the river near EverBank Stadium, is scheduled for 2026 with construction to be completed in 2028.<\/p>\n