The Museum of Science and History announced Jan. 8 the resignation of CEO Alistair Dove.
In an email letter sent to “our MOSH Family,” Jill Davis, museum board chair, said the trustees are grateful for Dove’s leadership for the past two years.
“To name just a few of his accomplishments, Dr. Dove helped expand MOSH programming that brought community-based learning opportunities to schools, partner organizations, and local events. He has also been a valuable contributor to the planning of the future museum experience, developing programs that will immerse guests in the engaging natural history of Northeast Florida and the sciences that bridge the past and the future,” Davis said.
The letter said that effective immediately, Chief Development Officer Maureen Mercho is interim executive director and will remain chief development officer. The search for a new leader of MOSH will commence soon.
“For the past three years, Maureen has been a dynamic strategic planner and fundraiser, forging valuable partnerships and engaging donors to better position us for our exciting future. She has played a pivotal role in leading the MOSH Capital Campaign to raise more than $95 million,” Davis said.
An Australian-American marine biologist and researcher, Dove became MOSH’s CEO in 2024 after more than 17 years at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
The Museum of Science & History on the Downtown Southbank closed Sept. 1 so the “organization can fully engage in shaping the vision for the new museum.”
MOSH plans to move across the St. Johns River to the Shipyards on the Northbank. It plans to break ground on a new museum in 2026 with completion anticipated by 2028.
When the closure was announced, MOSH said it had 30 employees and that about 20% would be retained.
The museum said staff positions focused on educational programming, operations and development will be retained beyond the closure. It said those roles will focus on community outreach and preparations for the new museum.
Founded in a house in Riverside in 1941, the museum moved to 1025 Museum Circle Drive in 1968.
Property records show it comprises two buildings totaling 87,264 square feet. The 7.82-acre property is owned by the city.
