Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Baton Rouge, LA
www.lasm.org/
2018
Serena Pandos appointed Executive Director and President
We are pleased to announce that Serena Pandos will be the new Executive Director and President of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Baton Rouge, LA.
The Museum's Board of Directors unanimously appointed Serena Pandos to be the museum's next President and Executive Director, replacing Carol Gikas who will retire at the end of January after leading LASM for 39 years. Scott Kirkpatrick, President of the Board, said, "We are delighted to announce Serena's appointment and are all thrilled with her energy and enthusiasm for our mission, staff and community. Carol is leaving behind a tremendous legacy. The museum has flourished under her leadership and we are excited for Serena to carry on this excellent work."
Pandos will relocate from McAllen, TX where she is currently serving as President and Executive Director of the International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS). As President and Executive Director of IMAS, Pandos oversees all aspects of the art and science programs, education initiatives and fundraising efforts. She has prior experience at the IMAS as the Director of Education. The IMAS was founded in 1967, presents changing exhibitions in over 50,000 square feet of exhibition and public spaces, and offers a variety of programs in art, science, biology and natural science including extensive education experiences for youth. In addition to exhibition galleries, IMAS features hands-on learning classrooms, a theatre and children's discovery pavilion.
Pandos brings over 15 years experience in museum leadership roles including 8 years at IMAS and 3 years at the Laredo Center for the Arts in Laredo, TX where she was Executive Director. She has prior experience at the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD and holds Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Master of Fine Arts degrees. She is a native of Baltimore, MD.
Jason MacMorran, Chairman of the Search Committee and past president of the LASM Board, stated, "Serena brings an excellent set of skills that includes programming work with living artists, fundraising expertise, strategic planning, close ties working with her board and experience developing strategies for community engagement."
Pandos is excited to be moving to Baton Rouge and said, "This is a great honor to be selected to lead the LASM and to succeed Carol Gikas, for whom I have the utmost respect. Carol's legacy will be the foundation on which we all work together to advance the mission of LASM. I am eager to get to know the community, the Museum's staff and LASM supporters." Pandos will begin her post on or before February 1, 2019.
Pandos was selected following a national search guided by Senior Search Consultant Daniel Keegan of Museum Search & Reference.