On March 14, Guy Labine officially started as Arizona Science Center’s Hazel A. Hare President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of the Arizona Science Center.

Labine, selected through an extensive executive search process, most recently served as CEO of Science North, one of Canada’s most successful science centers located in Sudbury, Ontario since 2011.

“I am thrilled to start in my new role. I’ve been so impressed with the team I am joining — the board, staff, our volunteers, supporters and our partners. Arizona Science Center is a great organization and I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Labine in a prepared statement.

“Increasing access to science learning opportunities for more kids and adults and engaging the local community in the wonders of science have been a driving force in my career, and I’m so excited to call Phoenix and the Arizona Science Center my new home.”

Labine is a strong believer in developing partnerships to create collaborations that will grow impact, relevancy and benefits to the broader community, according to a press release. In addition, the development of entertaining, engaging and inspiring visitor experiences through multimedia, film and hands-on interactive exhibits are skills and expertise he brings to the role.

He led funding efforts and opened Canada’s third digital laser IMAX Theatre at Science North and is the executive producer of the IMAX films “Wonders of the Arctic” and the forthcoming “Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope,” a documentary grounded in Jane Goodall’s philosophy of hope, drawing on historical footage of her early primate research and her current work as a global advocate for environmental and wildlife conservation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Guy to Arizona and the southwest as the next leader of Arizona Science Center,” said Mary K. Martuscelli, Arizona Science Center Board Chair. “His extensive operational leadership experience, coupled with his strategic understanding of how to reach diverse communities in meaningful ways, will enable us to take our informal science education programming and services to the next level, strengthening our impact and community connection.”

In addition to 21 years as CEO of Science North, Labine brings strong ties from his leadership experience with the international science center community. He chaired the global Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) from 2017-19 and completed his term as Past Chair in October, the press release stated.

Labine has also led the Canadian Association of Science Center’s board and is a recipient of the 2011 Community Builders Award for Economic Development.

While at the helm of Science North, he also led international efforts to advance science learning through work with science centers in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Denmark.