Dear Members of the Academy and Drexel Communities,

In our message on Tuesday announcing the September 30 closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences museum, we emphasized that the Academy will continue operating and advancing its mission of research, education and public engagement. Today, we are pleased to share that the City of Philadelphia has agreed to loan Deputy Mayor Patricia “Trish” Wellenbach, an experienced leader of Philadelphia cultural organizations, to the Academy to serve as a Senior Advisor to help guide the Academy and provide stability and direction. Ms. Wellenbach will continue to be a City employee and will not receive any compensation from the Academy or Drexel.

Ms. Wellenbach has had a distinguished career spanning nonprofit leadership, health care, governance and public service. In her current position as Deputy Mayor Strategic and Philanthropic Initiatives for the City of Philadelphia, Ms. Wellenbach has helped advance strategic initiatives.

In the months ahead, Ms. Wellenbach will work with the Academy and Drexel leadership and our partners to help ensure continuity during the transition. She will work to advance efforts to preserve the Academy’s world-class research enterprise and educational outreach while considering pathways toward the funding and operational model needed for long-term sustainability.

The City will lend Ms. Wellenbach’s expertise until longer-term leadership is confirmed. As we shared in our previous message, Scott Cooper, PhD, has stepped down as president and CEO of the Academy and will remain involved as an adviser as the institution moves into its next phase.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Cooper’s many contributions to the Academy and for his continued support during this period.

We are especially grateful to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the City of Philadelphia for their partnership and for allowing their Deputy Mayor to serve as Senior Advisor to the Academy. We also thank Governor Josh Shapiro and Ambassador David L. Cohen for their continued partnership as we focus on the important work ahead.

This is a significant and difficult moment for the Academy community, and we are grateful to welcome Ms. Wellenbach at such an important time. Her extensive experience guiding institutions through periods of transition and helping them build stronger foundations will be invaluable as we navigate the work ahead. Bringing her leadership and expertise to the Academy is an important first step as we work together toward a strong and sustainable future for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Antonio Merlo, PhD President, Drexel University

Suzanne Biemiller Chair, Board of Trustees Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University