Discovery Place Names Dean Briere Chief Operating Officer

New position will oversee operations and administration of Discovery Place, Inc. museums

April 05, 2011

CHARLOTTE – Dean Briere has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of Discovery Place, Inc. In the newly created position, Briere will oversee operations of the non-profit’s three operating units — Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS — as well as the administrative functions of the overall organization. He will report directly to John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc.

Briere brings more than 20 years of experience in the museum field including more than 11 years at Discovery Place (1988 – 1992, 2004 – present) in various positions. Most recently, he served as vice president, strategic enterprises where he oversaw all Discovery Place exhibitions and exhibition development, theatre operations and the Museum’s extensive collections. Briere had primary responsibility for managing the recent $31.6 million renovation of Discovery Place and the development of its new exhibition experiences. In addition, he has overseen the development of Discovery Place KIDS in Huntersville and Rockingham, N.C. Earlier in his career he served as vice president for education, programs and guest services at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

“We have been fortunate to have Dean on our team for many years and our organization is stronger and more distinctive due to his contributions,” said John Mackay. “With Dean’s leadership and proven management capabilities applied to our increasingly complex organization, we will operate more efficiently and will be in a position to continue to grow and provide even more unique, educational experiences to the community,”

Briere currently serves on the Conference Planning Committee of the Association of Science Technology Centers. He was chair of the Science Section, treasurer and vice president of the North Carolina Museums Council and served on the Finance Committee of the Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative. He is a founding member and secretary of the Giant Dome Theatre Consortium.

Briere holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and an MBA and Master of Science in Organizational Change and Leadership from Pfeiffer University.

Discovery Place also named Joanie Philipp as vice president, Discovery Place Operations. Philipp, who has been with the Museum for over 25 years in a variety of professional capacities including management, exhibit development and educational programs, served as project director for the highly-lauded and well-attended BODY WORLDS and Dead Sea Scrolls exhibitions at Discovery Place, where her work helped secure the exhibitions and recruit advisory councils for both. She also spearheaded many other major projects and exhibitions for the Museum during her tenure, as well as held roles related to public programs, volunteering and health sciences. She was a long-term board member of North Carolina Museums Council and has a B.A. in Biology from Belmont Abbey College.

About Discovery Place

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX® Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. In June 2010, the Museum completed an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation, resulting in a completely transformed and re-imagined experience with all-new interactive exhibits. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with operating support from the Arts & Science Council. Connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place call (704) 372-6261 or visit discoveryplace.org.

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