Q & A with Lake Erie Nature & Science Center's New Leader
Catherine Timko started as Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Executive Director in January. She's been seeking input from the community as she helps shape the Center's vision for the future.
90 Days In, New Executive Director Catherine Timko Sees Bright Future
Catherine Timko stepped into the role of Executive Director at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center on January 4, the fourth director to serve in the Center’s six decade history. After 90 days on the job, she sat down to answer questions that reveal her inclusive leadership style and where she hopes to lead the Bay Village nonprofit organization in the future.
Q: You’ve held positions of leadership at several prominent Northeast Ohio and national nonprofits, including The Trust for Public Land. What attracted you to the job of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Executive Director?
A: Several reasons, but first and foremost, I truly believe in the mission. As a child, my parents made sure our family spent time outside; hiking, camping and enjoying nature in all the amazing parks we have in Northeast Ohio. Secondly, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has a distinctive combination of programs and services that sets a unique standard of excellence. I’m really no different than the huge numbers of visitors who are drawn to the Center’s blend of live animals, nature and science education, wildlife rehabilitation, planetarium and access to Lake Erie each and every year.
Q: How have you spent your first 90 days?
A: I’ve been observing and listening and in fact, I’m still hoping to reach out to more of our constituents. It’s important that our programs and services honor the Center’s incredibly successful past and are based on the views and values of our stakeholders - supporters, members, volunteers and visitors. Working to create a roadmap that is an expression of both our history and our collective vision for the future is essential.
Q: What are you hearing so far?
A: Over and over, people tell me how much they value Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. It’s humbling to follow in the footsteps of the leaders who came before me and built this organization into such a cherished community resource. People are also sharing exciting ideas for expanding our reach in the future. Our next step will be to evaluate the suggestions, while remaining true to our core mission of hands-on nature experiences and education for children and families.
Q: Do you expect to make big changes?
A: I anticipate our team will enhance programming while keeping popular current offerings. Delivering the best possible nature and science education for children and families will remain our core mission and top priority. At the same time, we’re looking to anticipate community needs a decade from now. I would like to provide more interpretation of the Great Lake that’s a part of our name and to elevate our profile as a regional resource, but changes will be based on the needs and values of our constituents.
Q: Given the tight economic landscape that’s affected virtually every non-profit in some way, what’s the biggest challenge your see for the center?
A: We are in a relatively sound position in spite of the economic challenges and the fact that we rely on donations for funding. This nonprofit organization has more loyal supporters now than at any time it its history and they are very generous with their resources including volunteer time and monetary gifts. Moving forward, it will be absolutely critical to solidify key partnerships and build even more financial stability, so the Center will be able to inspire and serve children and families for another 60 years.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a more vital regional resource now than ever before, especially in light of our region’s focus on both “green” and science-based jobs as important economic drivers. At the same time, our rare, free admission policy invites everyone from grandparents and grandchildren to new moms and tots to visit without the worry of economic barriers. We have some exciting plans to enhance our facility and improve our mission delivery, but we are making sure our goals are precisely calibrated to meet the needs of the community before we move ahead.
Q: So, let’s boil it down to the nitty-gritty. After 90 days on the job, do you have a favorite animal or program?
A: (laughs) Well, there are more than 100 amazing animals here and even more programs than that! If I have to choose one from my experience so far, the Twinkle Tots program in the Schuele Planetarium was a highlight. Sitting next to toddlers enjoying the sparkling stars, waving their hands to make the sun rise and set was great fun. The pure joy of the kids and the passion of the instructors is evident in virtually every classroom I’ve visited though.
As for the animals, my favorite so far is a Great Horned Owl that was recovering from an eye injury in wildlife rehab. It was so wild and beautiful. It was a living reminder to me what a responsibility and privilege we have to share these incredible creatures with our visitors.
Shawn Salamone is Community Relations Manager at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.