Longtime museum leader selected following comprehensive national search
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Board of Trustees of Memphis Museums of Science & History (MoSH) has unanimously appointed Jeff King as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective September 18, 2026. King has served as Interim Executive Director since December 2025 and previously held the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Director of Guest Services.
King’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search conducted by the Board with the assistance of Museum Search & Reference, an executive search firm dedicated exclusively to leadership recruitment for museums. The Board’s Search Committee evaluated a diverse pool of accomplished candidates from across the country before unanimously recommending King for the position.
“Jeff brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge, operational expertise and a deep, genuine love for each of our museum properties,” said Gwyn Fisher, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Throughout his interim leadership, he has demonstrated that he understands not only where this organization has been, but also the tremendous opportunity ahead. The Board is confident that Jeff has the vision, experience and commitment to lead our museums into their next chapter—expanding our reach, strengthening our impact and ensuring these treasured institutions continue to serve our community for generations to come.”
Fisher also expressed the Board’s appreciation to those who guided the selection process.
“We are deeply grateful to the members of our Search Committee for the extraordinary time, care and thoughtful judgment they brought to this important responsibility,” Fisher said. “We also appreciate the expertise and guidance of Museum Search & Reference throughout a thorough and highly competitive national search.”
King joined Memphis Museums of Science & History in August 2021 as Director of Guest Services and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in July 2023. In that role, he oversaw education, exhibitions and collections, marketing, theaters and planetarium operations, public programming and other operational functions across the organization’s properties. He was named Interim Executive Director in December 2025.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to continue serving Memphis Museums of Science & History as Executive Director,” King said. “These museums, their remarkable collections and experiences, and the people who bring them to life hold a very special place in my heart. I am grateful for the confidence of the Board and proud to work alongside such a talented and dedicated staff. Together, we will build upon this strong foundation by updating our permanent exhibits, expanding access for visitors throughout Memphis and the broader region, growing our signature events and creating meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, connection and discovery.”
Before joining MoSH, King held several leadership positions at the Denver Art Museum, including Director of Operations. There, he managed large-scale visitor and sales operations for an institution serving as many as one million visitors annually and led teams of up to 250 employees. Throughout his career, King has developed extensive experience in museum operations, strategic planning, staff development, financial oversight, visitor engagement and organizational management.
King earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts, with a minor in Art History, from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
About Memphis Museums of Science & History
Memphis Museums of Science & History is the nonprofit parent organization for a collection of the region’s most treasured cultural, scientific and historic destinations, including the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion, Lichterman Nature Center, Mallory-Neely Historic Property and Coon Creek Science Center. Through exhibitions, educational programming, films, planetarium experiences, natural environments and historic interpretation, MoSH connects people of all ages with the science, history, nature and culture of Memphis and the Mid-South. Learn more at moshmemphis.com.