Science Museum Hires Development & Marketing Director

Michael Hemphill

The Science Museum of Western Virginia is pleased to announce Michael Hemphill – a former Roanoke Times reporter and nonprofit executive director in Montgomery County – as its new director of development and marketing.

Hemphill will direct the Science Museum’s membership, special events, fundraising and promotion initiatives as the museum prepares for its return in the spring to a revitalized Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke.

“We received a number of excellent applications for this position, but Michael’s recent fundraising and marketing experience really stood out. We’re lucky to find him,” said Jim Rollings, executive director of the Museum.

A reporter at The Roanoke Times from 1997-2000, Hemphill has served since 2005 as executive director of Mountain Valley Charitable Foundation in Shawsville.

Under his leadership, the Foundation successfully transformed an abandoned nursing home into The Meadowbrook Center, and soon will complete a $417,000 renovation of the old Elliston Fire Station into a community food pantry and thrift shop.

“This is obviously an exciting time to be part of the Science Museum’s distinguished history in western Virginia,” Hemphill said. “With our new partnership with Virginia Tech and our fabulous new home in Center in the Square, the Science Museum will emerge as one of our region’s premier attractions.”

The Science Museum is currently located in Tanglewood Mall as Center in the Square undergoes a $27 million renovation. When it reopens in May in downtown Roanoke, the Science Museum will feature all new exhibits thanks to its Reinvention Campaign, and a stunning butterfly garden featuring live butterflies from throughout the world in a lush setting of native plants and tropical orchids.

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