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May 23 2005

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Tim McKenna - Himmelrich, Inc.
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Maryland Science Center Names Reiner President and CEO

BALTIMORE, Md., May 23 -- The Board of Trustees of the Maryland Science Center has named Van Reiner as the institution’s president and chief executive officer. Reiner served as acting executive since September 2004; he was selected for the permanent position by an Executive Search Committee, and endorsed by the full Board, following a national search.

"The business of museums like the Maryland Science Center is changing. We want to capitalize on the success generated by our expansion and growth," said Hal Smith, chairman of the Executive Search Committee.

"As a cultural and community destination as well as an educational institution, we recognize that we not only need to provide strong science content but also operate with solid business acumen. Van has the proven experience as a corporate leader, an excellent scientific background, and the passionate commitment to our mission that will insure that we reach our goals."

Prior to serving as the acting executive of the Maryland Science Center, Reiner spent 29 years in management capacities with Bethlehem Steel, most recently the president of the Sparrow’s Point Division. He has been a member or served on the board of directors of numerous groups, including the American Chemical Society, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chester County Chamber of Commerce, and the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education. Before assuming his staff position with the Maryland Science Center, Reiner was on the Science Center’s board of directors beginning in 2001, and has been a member of the institution’s Scientific Council since 2002.

“This is an exciting time to assume leadership of this prestigious institution,” commented Van Reiner. “I intend to help our dedicated staff enhance our experiences for visitors, school children, teachers, and residents of Maryland – both within our walls and out in the community.”
Reiner is a 1970 graduate of Wittenberg University, and received his masters of science in chemistry from Lehigh University. He and his wife, Shirley, have three grown children, and reside in Bel Air, MD.

The Maryland Science Center’s mission is to stimulate and cultivate awareness, interest, and understanding of science through exciting educational programming. In May 2004, the Science Center completed a $35 million renovation and expansion featuring exhibits on earth science, dinosaurs, the human body, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Science Center is now doubled in size and completely transformed. More than 500,000 people visit the Maryland Science Center each year, including 100,000 school children.