Museum of Science Welcomes New Chief Advancement Officer

Bobby Kean joins the Museum from The Shed in New York City

BOSTON, MA — The Museum of Science, Boston announced today that Bobby Kean will become its next Chief Advancement Officer, effective April 18.

Kean is a seasoned fundraising leader in the cultural sector. In his most recent role as Chief Development Officer of The Shed, he was instrumental in the launch of one of New York’s newest and most innovative cultural institutions. Under his leadership, The Shed concluded a successful founding capital campaign in 2021, surpassing its goal of $550 million.

Prior to The Shed, Mr. Kean led fundraising teams and participated in capital campaigns at the Lower Manhattan Community Council and The Museum of Modern Art. At the latter, he oversaw the storied museum's sponsorship and restricted fundraising activities across donor categories and built a personal specialization in corporate philanthropy. Before that, he served as Sing for Hope’s first Executive Director, where he partnered with two highly engaged co-founders and helped the grassroots organization more than triple in scale and exponentially increase the impact of its community programs. Kean graduated from The Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in Media and Performing Arts.

“After meeting with Bobby, it was clear to the search committee that his career has been driven by a passion to deliver mission and growth with a disciplined approach to fundraising and organizational leadership,” said Tim Ritchie, president of the Museum of Science. “His track record of success and dedication to mission-based work underpins his dynamic and engaging approach to fundraising at every level.”

Kean’s hire follows an extensive national search that included both internal and external Museum partners.

“I am so pleased to join the Museum of Science team at this incredibly exciting time,” said Kean. “This storied institution has served generations of inquiring minds from the Boston area and beyond for over 193 years and has recently expanded its reach exponentially. I cannot wait to play a role in this ambitious and innovative next chapter as the Museum redefines the fundamental promise of a cultural institution for a broad global audience.”