Karen Jepson-Innes, WonderLab Executive Director. Staff photo.

After nearly 30 years of helping lead WonderLab from its small outreach beginnings to the multi-faceted educational institution it is today, WonderLab’s Executive Director, Karen Jepson-Innes, has announced plans to retire in early 2025.

This planned transition from founding to new leadership is the natural next step for WonderLab, and is a core component of the museum’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.

“Karen has inspired a generation of curious, creative problem-solvers,” said WonderLab Board President, Ashley Johnson. “She has worked tirelessly to create a space for all that makes science fun, approachable and inspiring.”

Karen was one of the founding members of WonderLab. She and six others worked to grow what began as a science outreach program operated by volunteers to a physical museum hosting nearly 70,000 visitors in 2023.  

“She embodies the curiosity and enthusiasm for science and play that WonderLab is all about,” said WonderLab’s Museum Experience Director, Ella Heckman. 

Over the years Karen has spearheaded numerous big campaigns at the museum including the creation of Science Sprouts Place, many traveling exhibitions, and much needed building upgrades to make the museum more energy efficient. She has also been a staunch advocate for staff helping to institute better pay equity and benefits. “We also can’t forget that she guided us through the pandemic with grace and humility,” said Heckman.

“WonderLab would not be what it is today without Karen and the community is better because of her work,” Johnson continued. “Karen’s momentum and vision have created an excellent foundation, and our next leader has the opportunity to build upon Karen’s work and ensure WonderLab’s continued success in the coming years.”

This is an exciting opportunity for someone new to come in and steward WonderLab into its next phase of growth and ensure the good work continues. A search committee made up of WonderLab staff and Board members is partnering with the Indianapolis-based agency Charitable Advisors who recently supported searches for Stone Belt and United Way in Bloomington and has done over 100 nonprofit Executive Director/CEO searches. The goal is to have a new Executive Director on board in March of 2025.  

“Karen is leaving an amazing legacy that she should be proud of. I’m certainly proud to have worked with her,” said Heckman. “She is leaving the museum in excellent shape for a very promising future.”

For more information on the position, compensation, and to apply, please go to: https://tinyurl.com/WonderLabEDSearch.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Bryan Orander at Bryan@CharitableAdvisors.com with questions.