READING, PA.- Ronald C. Roth has elected to step down as Director and CEO of the Reading Public Museum effective December 31, 2009. He has served in these positions since joining the Museum in 2002.

The Foundation for the Reading Public Museum Board of Directors will begin a search for a new director after spending an appropriate amount of time to more fully understand the current and future strategic needs of the Museum, and to accurately define what role the director should play.

To assure a smooth transition for the Museum staff during this period, the Board has appointed Donald C. Bristol to serve as Interim Administrative Director.

During Roth’s tenure, in addition to the many family-oriented science, art and cultural exhibitions and programming offered, the Museum has hosted a variety of outstanding exhibitions, including DINOSAURS!, Dale Chihuly: A Celebration of Glass, Keith Haring: Journey of the Radiant Baby, Degas and the Art of Japan, Born to be Wild: Adventures in the Art of Motorcycle Design and the very popular The Magic of Hollywood: The Gene London Costume Collection, currently on display.

In an effort to expand the Museum’s presence in the community, Roth actively sought collaborations with local organizations, most recently helping to organize “Culture Soup,” a partnership with the Reading Symphony Orchestra, Berks Arts Council, GoggleWorks, Greater Reading Young Professionals and Leadership Berks at Alvernia University. He also established several unique offerings at the Museum such as “Bagels & Bach” and “Jive After Five.”

Under Roth’s guidance, the Museum regained accreditation in 2009 by the American Association of Museums. The renovation of The Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum was accomplished during his tenure, as well as the revitalization of the Museum’s noteworthy Arboretum.