Longtime Bishop Museum CEO To Retire April 1

BRADENTON, FL — The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s longtime CEO, Brynne Anne Besio, retires April 1 after more than 13 years in the position, according to a news release from the museum’s Board of Trustees.

Preparing for her departure, the board has launched a national search for the Bishop’s next leader. In the first few months of her retirement, Besio will consult with the board and new CEO to ensure a smooth transition.

Board chair Brian Carter said Besio “had an extraordinarily positive impact” on the Bishop, establishing a “strong foundation” for the museum. This foundation “will pave the way for (the museum’s) successful path forward,” he added.

Carter said, "We're committed to securing only the best talent to build upon Brynne Anne’s legacy and continue creating opportunities for the Bishop to grow. We're optimistic about the prospects that await our next CEO to build on the powerful foundation she created."

The Bishop has grown and evolved significantly during Besio’s tenure, the board said. In the past five years, the museum emphasized creating experiences to inspire curiosity and discovery, including the construction of a new education wing and the Mosaic Backyard Universe for young children and their families. The museum has also renovated work and education spaces and unveiled a new name and brand.

During Besio’s time as CEO, the museum’s operating budget grew from $1.4 million in 2007 to $3.5 million in 2020. Attendance also increased from 57,500 in 2007 to more than 73,000 in 2019.

Financial support from the community has grown substantially as well, both in the form of support for the annual fund for the Museum’s operations and raising more than $18 million in a capital campaign.

“Together with The Bishop team, we have accomplished so much,” Besio said. “It's a good time for both the museum and for me personally to make this transition. I’m proud of how far we’ve come in the past 13 years and I’ve been honored to work with the board, volunteers and staff to serve our community. The collaborations like Soar in 4 with the School District of Manatee County and others have helped us reach thousands of children, many of whom are in low-income and underserved communities.”

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The Bishop Museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida's Gulf Coast. In addition to rotating and permanent exhibits, it also includes an all-digital Planetarium — the only one of its kind on the Gulf Coast — the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where they help rehabilitate sick or injured manatees for their return to the wild, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe, built especially for young children and their families.