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Science North's Guy Labine to become CEO of Arizona Science Center

Science North CEO Guy Labine has announced that he will step down from leadership of the science centre next March. He will become the President and CEO of the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix.

Guy Labine started his career at Science North, Canada’s second largest science centre, in 2001 and became the CEO in 2011 following the retirement of Jim Marchbank. Over the past 10 years, Science North has renewed major visitor experiences at Science North and Dynamic Earth, expanded its work with partner attractions and communities, including First Nation communities, across Northern Ontario, and grown its work with teachers and students. Science North Board Chair, Dr. Stephen Kosar said, “The last 2 years have been challenging for the tourism sector, particularly for Science North. We’ve been fortunate to have Guy at the helm guiding this organization through the most challenging times in our history.” He added, “Guy’s entrepreneurial spirit and strong leadership skills have allowed Science North to not only weather this global pandemic, but to expand its relationships and impact across Northern Ontario and beyond. On behalf of our Board, I want to thank Guy for his incredible leadership that has driven great results. We will miss him and wish him well in this new adventure. The Arizona Science Center will be fortunate to have someone with his experience and skills.”

Labine says he has mixed emotions in his departure, “I’m so proud of the work of our entire team, especially during the past 22 months. We’ve been able to shift directions during the pandemic to ensure the safety of the audiences we serve and our staff, while continuing to offer great experiences and programs in new and exciting ways.’ He added, “The past 10 years have been an amazing journey as we’ve continued to focus on our audiences with new experiences at Science North and Dynamic Earth. Our expansion across Northern Ontario will continue to remain vibrant, strong, and will present a great opportunity for a new leader to take it to the next level.” He added, “I’m excited to join the Arizona Science Center team. Like Science North, it has a strong Board, great leadership and team members, and I’m looking forward to leading it to achieve great results.”

Science North and its attractions and programs were significantly impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with support from the provincial, federal, municipal governments and the private sector, it has remained strong and vibrant. It has a renewed Strategic Plan, funding to create new visitor experiences and programs, a robust number of activities across the North and growing partnerships. During his tenure as Science North, CEO Guy Labine also provided leadership to industry associations. He served as Board President of the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) and expanded Science North’s support of this important organization. He served 8 years on the Board of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and was Chair for two years in 2017-2019. Board Chair Stephen Kosar says the Science North Board will begin a search process for a new CEO immediately.

Quotes
“Guy Labine is an incredible public servant who combines intellect with innovation and his enthusiasm for community building. This extraordinary combination has served the Province of Ontario, Science North and northern communities as a whole extremely well during his tenure at Science North. He has put our agency on a solid, world class footing and has built a strong reputation in the scientific and heritage fields. I will personally miss Guy’s strong leadership at Science North and around my management table but I am grateful for the time we had to work together, particularly as we confronted a global pandemic.” – Hon. Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

“Since becoming Science North CEO in 2011, Guy Labine has been a tremendous advocate for the pursuit of scientific enquiry, as well as promoting Northern Ontario as a top-tier science-tourism destination. Thanks to Guy’s leadership, dedication, and passion, Science North has strengthened its position as a world-class science and education centre—and has even managed to expand its services and affiliations during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. I am grateful for all of the vital work that Guy has done for our province and wish him continued success in the future." – Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry

“Guy has been a tremendous leader in our community. As CEO at Science North, he shaped a bold vision for the centre, achieving unprecedented national and international levels of recognition. We are grateful for his many contributions to Sudbury.” – Viviane Lapointe, MP for Sudbury

“Congratulations to Guy Labine as he moves on to the next chapter in his career as CEO of the Arizona Science Center. It has been a pleasure to work with Guy over the last six years on varied projects. He is an innovator and Science North and residents alike have greatly benefitted from his contributions locally and on the international stage. The team at the Arizona Science Center are sure to thrive with Guy at the helm. I remain committed to continue to work with the future Science North CEO. Thank you Guy. You will be missed.” – Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt

About Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the province. Science North maintains the second – and eighth- largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include ascience centre, IMAX® theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall,and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. Science North, in partnership with Laurentian University, have developed North America’s first and only comprehensive Science Communication program, a joint graduate diploma program. As part of its mandate, Science North provides science experiences throughout Northern Ontario including outreach to schools and festivals, summer science camps and more, and has a permanent base in Thunder Bay providing outreach to the Northwest. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For information, visit sciencenorth.ca.

For the press release from the Arizona Science Centre, see the attachment below.

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  • science north
  • CEO
  • Guy Labine