Conor Hepp is taking on a new challenge. After six years leading the Chester County History Center, he has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, writes Glenn Epps for lehighvalleylive.com.
The science center announced Hepp’s appointment this week following a national search. He starts the role on July 6.
Hepp has served as president of the Chester County History Center since 2020. His tenure brought major change.
The organization eliminated its debt. It established its first endowment in the institution’s 133-year history.
Visitation, membership, and community engagement all reached record levels.
Hepp credited the History Center’s staff, supporters, and community partners for the turnaround. “Together, we turned around an institution,” he wrote in a LinkedIn announcement.
He highlighted several milestones from his time at the helm. The History Center brought Chester County’s first Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition to the region.
It partnered with Netflix for the world premiere of Rustin. The Center also helped preserve a threatened Lenape burial ground.
The institution’s reach grew to include members and program participants on six continents.
The Chester County History Center credited Hepp with strengthening its financial foundation and raising its regional profile.
The organization now plans to launch a national search for its next leader.
For Hepp, the move to Da Vinci represents an exciting next chapter.
“The Da Vinci Science Center is one of the region’s most dynamic cultural institutions, with a stunning new facility, a bold mission, and a community deeply invested in its success,” he wrote.
“It is exactly the kind of institution I love to serve.”
He will succeed longtime leader Lin Erickson, who is retiring after more than two decades with the organization.
The science center opened its new downtown Allentown facility in 2024. It has quickly become a major destination for STEM and STEAM education in eastern Pennsylvania.
Before joining the Chester County History Center, Hepp held leadership roles at the Barnes Foundation, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Franklin Institute.
His final day at the Chester County History Center is June 26.
Read more about Hepp’s new role at the Da Vinci Science Center at lehighvalleylive.com.
