September 10, 2018

Press Release

Museum of the Bible Appoints Ken McKenzie Chief Executive Officer in Run-Up to Institution’s First Anniversary

Longtime Business Executive Among New Leadership Team

at DC Museum Focused on Bible Engagement

 

WASHINGTON, September 4, 2018—Museum of the Bible announced today that former Airbus executive Ken McKenzie will come on board as the museum’s chief executive officer, a new role established to lead the museum in its post-grand opening era. In this role, McKenzie will set the vision for and lead the staff in its daily operations at the 430,000-square-foot museum in Washington, which opened last November.

“After an extensive search, Museum of the Bible’s board of directors selected Ken McKenzie to lead the museum in this new and exciting phase,” said Steve Green, Museum of the Bible’s chairman of the board. “We are thrilled to welcome him on board and are confident his leadership skills and expertise will strengthen this institution as we look toward the future.”

McKenzie’s career began in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he served 14 years as an officer and pilot. His career advanced in the aviation industry as McKenzie held leadership positions with AirServ International, Jazz Aviation, WestJet and Spirit Airlines before landing at Airbus, where he served as executive vice president of customers, responsible for the overall productivity and effectiveness of sales, marketing and contracts within North and South America.

“Museum of the Bible’s mission to invite all people to engage with the Bible is what inspired me to take on this remarkable role,” said McKenzie. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead this innovative, world-class educational institution in conveying the history, narrative and impact of the world’s most influential book.”

Assuming the role of chief curatorial officer at Museum of the Bible is Jeffrey Kloha, Ph.D. The former seminary professor, provost and chief academic officer oversees the museum’s collection of rare biblical texts and artifacts and its curatorial and educational staff. Business professional Chris Lyons joins Museum of the Bible from the Houston Zoo to serve as the museum’s chief operating officer, helping to manage the museum’s day-to-day operations. Additionally, Cary Summers has transitioned from his role as the museum’s president to become its museum relations officer, allowing him to parlay his relational strengths and contacts to focus full-time on cultivating existing partnerships and pursuing new donors.

“The highlight of my professional career as a visionary and entrepreneur was engaging the best in architectural, technological and exhibit design to create a memorable, world-class experience for museum guests,” said Summers. “As we approach the museum’s first anniversary, we are all looking forward to working with Ken to make the museum a place people from around the world continue to visit.”

McKenzie officially assumes his role as the museum’s chief executive officer on Nov. 1, 2018, while Kloha, Lyons and Summers are now engaged in their leadership positions.