Press release from the Asheville Museum of Science:
Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is pleased to announce that Amanda Bryant is filling the role of interim Executive Director following the departure of former Executive Director Anna Priest. Ms. Priest helped steer the museum’s transition from the Colburn at Pack Place to AMOS in the current location in the Wells Fargo Building. Mrs. Bryant recently served as an External Affairs Officer at FEMA and brings extensive experience from her role at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Mrs. Bryant is a Western North Carolina native who has lived and worked in both Washington DC, and Asheville for the past 10 years. The museum is entering an important chapter of growth, and Mrs. Bryant brings a wealth of expertise in overseeing programs with city and county impacts that will help AMOS during this evolution.
“I’m honored to take on the responsibility during this time,” said Bryant. “The museum has an outstanding staff, active board, and is the science cornerstone for our community. I look forward to working closely with our local civic leaders, schools and colleges, and the business community to ensure that the Asheville Museum of Science becomes a more visible resource for the region.”
AMOS has evolved to provide an array of educational services to surrounding schools, homeschooled students and adults alike, inspiring local interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). With plans to open three new exhibits this year and a growing collaboration with The Collider (housed in the same building), AMOS is poised for a phase of exciting growth.
“We have been fortunate to be guided by Anna Priest [outgoing director] and feel equally lucky to have another WNC native and outstanding professional stepping into the role in Amanda Bryant,” said Matthew Maultsby, President of the Board of AMOS. “Her work in emergency management and environmental concerns speak to her science background and organizational and communications skills, and her degree in education is a tremendous bonus as we focus on expanding our camps, at-school offerings, and afterschool programs.”
AMOS is also seeking budget allocation from the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and the state of North Carolina for support similar to what museums nationwide receive from local and state government. This commitment is imperative for the growth of a museum that serves both area residents and visitors alike. AMOS’s staff, board, and members urge residents to let city council and county commissioners know AMOS should be added to the city and county budgets.
Ms. Bryant will serve as interim Executive Director while the executive committee begins a search for a permanent replacement. For more information on this role, contact Drew Pollick (drew@crafthrsolutions.com).
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