LOS ANGELES, CA.- Sarah Meeker Jensen, President of the Board of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and Paul G. Haaga, Jr., Chairman, today announced that Dr. Jane G. Pisano has informed the Board of her intention to retire as President and Director of the institution she has led since 2001. Dr. Pisano is credited with having transformed NHM—inside and out—into a premier cultural destination and nature experience in Los Angeles, and a national leader in uniting scientific research with public education.

To ensure a seamless transition into the future, Dr. Pisano will continue to lead the NHM Family of Museums—NHM in Exposition Park, the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits and the William S. Hart Park and Museum—until a new Director has been selected. Sarah Meeker Jensen, Paul Haaga and fellow Board member Richard Volpert are forming a Trustee committee to begin an extensive international search to identify potential successors.

Dr. Pisano’s announcement follows the successful completion of a decade-long initiative that remade virtually every aspect of the museum in time for the 100th anniversary celebration in 2013. Physically and programmatically, she restored NHM’s magnificent original 1913 Building (L.A.’s first dedicated museum structure) and its adjoining buildings; brought new light into its renovated spaces; led the creation of a range of award-winning new permanent exhibitions; constructed new facilities including the Otis Booth Pavilion and doubled the museum’s combined indoor and outdoor public space. Organizationally, she has built a collaborative, visitor-oriented culture among all of NHM’s staff, instilling new purpose and vitality throughout the institution. The result has been the transformation of NHM into an interactive, dynamic center for public engagement, visitor experiences and scientific enlightenment about our natural and cultural worlds.

As the NHM Next transformation moved toward realization, Dr. Pisano was also bolstering the scientific program of the Page Museum, heightening the museum’s engagement with the public and ensuring the protection and preservation of the La Brea Tar Pits for future generations. As she brings her tenure to completion she will continue to focus on supporting and improving this part of the NHM Family of Museums to bring her work to completion.

Sarah Meeker Jensen stated, “Jane Pisano’s achievements have positioned this institution for an extraordinary new phase of scientific work and public engagement. We are more than grateful to Jane for leaving the Museum in solid financial shape and with an excellent senior team. We are eager to honor her in the best way possible, by carrying forward the great work she has done. As we begin the international search for a new Director, we are thankful to be able to continue to work with Jane, as the Next Decade Committee develops the strategic plan for the future of the NHM Family of Museums.”

Paul Haaga stated, “Very few leaders anywhere transform their institutions as thoroughly as Jane Pisano has changed NHM, and very few leave so large and remarkable a legacy. While we will miss Jane’s leadership enormously, her inclusive management style ensures that we have a strong team remaining in place to further the Museum’s mission and address our ongoing challenges. We cannot adequately express our gratitude to her.”

Mark Ridley-Thomas, Supervisor of the Second District of Los Angeles County, stated, “Jane Pisano said it best herself, when she took the helm of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and dedicated this institution to inspiring wonder, discovery and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. She has done just that, working tirelessly to make learning fun and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. I hope that all our citizens will join me in recognizing what she has achieved for us.”

Dr. Jane G. Pisano stated, “I have been enormously fortunate to have worked for more than a dozen years with wonderfully dedicated and far-sighted Trustees and Governors, understanding and supportive County Supervisors, donors and members who have been generous at every level and, above all, a brilliantly talented staff. Everything that’s been done at NHM is an accomplishment we share together. I look forward now to handing over this great institution to its leader for the next generation.”