Ann Reid, the executive director of the National Center for Science Education, announced her intention to retire at the end of the year, after 10 years at NCSE's helm. "It's been a privilege and a pleasure to guide the nation's leading organization defending and supporting the integrity of science education," Reid commented.
"After doing so much to expand and advance NCSE's goals, Ann Reid will be missed," remarked Kenneth R. Miller, the president of NCSE's board of directors. "The board and the staff are in the process of organizing a search for a new executive director — and we will be fortunate to attract candidates of the caliber of Ann Reid and her predecessor Eugenie C. Scott."
Founded in 1982 as a clearinghouse for individuals and communities facing threats to evolution education, NCSE is a recognized authority on evolution education and threats to it, aiding the plaintiffs in Kitzmiller v. Dover, a 2005 case establishing the unconstitutionality of teaching "intelligent design" in the public schools. In 2012, NCSE added climate change education to its portfolio.
During Reid's tenure at NCSE, the organization continued to expand its support of climate change education, initiated a research program addressing teaching practices and state policies on evolution and climate change, and launched a teacher support program with model lesson sets and professional development on evolution, climate change, and the nature of science.
NCSE expects to post a job announcement for the executive director position shortly, with the new executive director starting in late 2023. Reporting to the board of directors and supervising all NCSE staff, the executive director is responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, and financial health of the organization.
