ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A longtime leader at Ithaca’s Sciencenter is leaving.

On September 1, Michelle Kortenaar announced she plans to retire at the end of February 2027.

She has served in multiple leadership roles during a 17-year tenure with the learning museum, including director of education, senior director of engagement and learning, vice president of strategic development, and the last 7 years as executive director. Colleagues call Kortenaar’s impact on the Sciencenter “immeasurable.”

The Sciencenter Board of Trustees will soon begin a national search for her replacement. Read more from the Sciencenter here.