Joseph Cox Named New President of EcoTarium

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Business Team

Joseph P. Cox has been named president of the EcoTarium, New England's leading science and nature center. Cox will lead the EcoTarium as it continues to build on its past success in inspiring a passion for science and nature. Cox replaces Stephen M. Pitcher, who had been president of the EcoTarium since 2005.

"We're absolutely thrilled to have Joe assume leadership of the EcoTarium at this time in our history," said Todd E. Brodeur, chairman of the board of trustees. "Joe is a truly visionary leader. The EcoTarium and our community as a whole will benefit from his passion, ability to build strong partnerships, and skills in strategic planning and sound fiscal management. We couldn't be more excited about our prospects and the experiences we will create for our guests and members."

Cox comes to the EcoTarium from the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, Florida, where he served as the museum's founding executive director. Under Cox’s leadership, the museum raised more than $26.5 million to open the 30,000 square foot building and attracted more than 100,000 visitors in the first five months.

Cox has also worked as the nature center director for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and the director of marketing for the Malta Ornithological Society (MOS).

Mr. Cox is a graduate of St. Mary's University, London, with a degree in environmental science, and he earned a master's degree in museum studies from the University of Leicester. He completed a residency at the Getty Museum Leadership Institute and a fellowship in museum practice at the Smithsonian Institution.

"I'm extremely honored to join the EcoTarium and its talented and committed team. I look forward to joining the Worcester community and sharing my commitment and passion for science, nature and learning with such a great organization," said Mr. Cox. "The EcoTarium is such a venerable organization, with a long history of delivering value for its guests and members. I expect that, together, we will carry on and extend that great tradition."

Brodeur said Cox will work closely with Pitcher on a transition of leadership and expressed appreciation for Pitcher's many contributions to the organization. Under his leadership, the EcoTarium experience a 30 percent increase in visitation and 14% rise in membership. Nearly 25,000 of the 127,000 annual guests visit the EcoTarium as part of an educational group. Pitcher was also responsible for converting the Alden Planetarium to digital technology and for creating the museum's new world class exhibition, The Arctic Next Door: Mount Washington.