Home » Living Arts and Science Center’s executive director resigns; accepts position in Lexington mayor’s office

Living Arts and Science Center’s executive director resigns; accepts position in Lexington mayor’s office

Heather Lyons

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Living Arts and Science Center’s executive director for 14 years, Heather Lyons, has accepted a position in the Office of the Mayor for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government as the director of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Lyons has led the Living Arts and Science Center through many incredible accomplishments during her tenure. Under Lyons’ direction, the Living Arts and Science Center (LASC) has:

• Nearly tripled its operating budget, with support from over 1,600 individual donors; 17 local, state and foundation grants; and 42 corporate sponsors

• Tripled capacity through the execution of a $5.5 million capital campaign to renovate the historic building and add a contemporary extension

• Doubled permanent staff positions

• Expanded its reach with programs serving over 16,000 students in 37 counties

• Increased its scholarship program, offering nearly 300 individual scholarships with 3,400 hours of collaborative, hands-on learning

• Entertained and inspired with over 50 free family events a year

• Advanced free after school programs serving more than 300 students in six Fayette County Title I schools

Lyons will start her new position with the LFUCG on Jan. 28

 ” I am enormously grateful for the opportunity that I have had to lead and support this remarkable organization and to learn from and work with truly inspiring staff members, artists, teachers, board members, parents and students, over these years,” Lyons said. “I have always felt privileged to work for the Living Arts and Science Center and to contribute to building new and better ways to enhance the creative and educational experiences for children, adults, families, schools and communities.

“I am extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished here and of the many ways that the programs, facility, support and opportunities have expanded in such dramatic and positive ways. I leave with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the incredibly talented and dedicated staff who will continue to put forward, every day, expertise and passion for their work and who will continue to expand and build upon the high quality and innovation that is the mainstay of the LASC.

“And, I leave with gratitude for a committed and diligent board of directors who will ensure the continued success of this organization and who will lead the LASC into an exciting new chapter. “

Over the coming months, the executive board and board of directors of the Living Arts and Science Center will undergo a comprehensive search process to select the LASC’s new executive director. The LASC Board of Directors will identify an individual to handle most responsibilities of the executive director on an interim basis; create a search committee with diverse perspectives; engage staff to help define the scope of the position; draft, finalize, and post the job description; interview qualified candidates; and maintain communication about the process while respecting the confidentiality of actual or potential applicants.

Joseph Coleman, president of the LASC Board of Directors, will lead the transition.

“The board of directors is committed to finding the best candidate to fulfill LASC’s mission to inspire participation in art and science by engaging the community through education, discovery, exploration and creativity,” Coleman said.

Tags