New Nature and Science Center chief chosen
By Jeff Gallatin
Bay Village
Published Nov. 18, 2009

A blend of national experience with local expertise led to the selection of a current director for a national land conservation organization and a former Northeast Ohio non-profit development official as the new executive director of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

Catherine J. Timko

Nature Center officials last week announced the selection of Catherine J. Timko as the new executive director for the Center. Timko is currently Division Development Director for the Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation organization based in San Francisco. Prior to working at TPL, Timko served in development roles at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Opera. She graduated from Hiram College in 1991 with a business management degree and received Hiram’s Recent Graduate Service to Humanity Award in 2003.

“I’m honored to be selected as executive director of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center and am looking forward to starting my new duties in January,” Timko said in a brief statement. “I have a real heart for the work that Lake Erie Nature and Science Center does inspiring an appreciation for nature. I’m thrilled and humbled to be stepping in to lead the exceptional people who make the mission happen every day.”

Timko said she would meet with the center visitors, media and center stakeholders, such as donors, members, volunteers and program participants, when she starts the job in January.

She and her husband, Martin, live in Peninsula, Ohio. Timko said she and Martin “don’t miss a chance to pull on their boots and connect with nature.”

Timko replaces 20-year director Larry Richardson, who left the position in May in a joint agreement with the board of directors. The board instituted a nationwide search which netted …candidates.

Search Committee officials said they were pleased with Timko’s experience and knowledge of Northeast Ohio.

“We are thrilled to find someone of Catherine’s caliber right in our own backyard,” Colleen Lowmiller, who chaired the search committee for the Center’s board of Directors. “We’re confident Catherine’s experience, talents and interests combine to make her a perfect fit to lead this cherished community organization into the future.”

Current Board president Patrick Mazur lauded Timko’s skills in more than one area.

“Our next director will be expected to build on the center’s successes, challenging us to experience and value nature, while strengthening our expanding network of community support,” Mazur said. “Catherine is highly qualified to do it all.”

During the search process, Timko and another finalist were able to meet with staff and volunteer board members. Renee Burslem, Center director for Development and Community Relations, said the staff appreciated the contact with the future director and was impressed by her.

“Our staff is excited to welcome Catherine and grateful to Colleen and the Search Committee for involving us in the selection process,” Burslem said. “We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Board President Patrick Mazur and the entire board for supporting us as we’ve continued to carry out our mission on a daily basis during the search. We’re busy working to meet our year-end goals so Catherine can hit the ground running with an eye on the future come January.”

On the Web:

• Lake Erie Nature & Science Center