Following an international search by a recruiting firm, Sudbury’s Science North has promoted from within in naming its new CEO.
Ashley Larose, the science organization’s director of development, has been tapped to succeed Guy Labine who departed for Arizona in March.
Larose takes over from interim CEO Jennifer Booth on Aug. 1.
In a news release, Larose credits her interaction with a Science North bluecoat at an early age in her hometown of Smooth Rock Falls for sparking her passion for science.
Larose holds an honours bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Waterloo and a master’s from Laurentian University. She’s worked as a research scientist in various cities across North America, according to the release, before settling in Sudbury and embarking on a 16-year career at Science North. Larose led the organization’s teacher training programs, directed its international business development and managed the organization’s customer relations.
She has been leading the capital campaign for the organization’s Go Deeper project at Dynamic Earth. The organization is also expanding into northwestern Ontario with a new facility in Thunder Bay and an expanded presence in Kenora.
Larose is a past recipient of Laurentian Publishing’s Sudbury's 40 Under Forty Awards Program.
In a statement, Stephen Kosar, chair of Science North’s board of trustees, said Larose was the strongest candidate through the search process.
“Ashley Larose has demonstrated strong leadership qualities throughout her career with Science North working in a variety of key roles. We know she is the right person to lead Science North into the future. She has positive energy, a passion for science learning, and an expansive vision for the organization.”
“I am beyond honoured to serve as the next CEO of Science North,” said Larose in the release. “We have an incredible team of skilled and passionate professionals who drive the organization and deliver on our purpose to inspire all people to interact with science in the world around them. I am excited to work with our team, our partners, and our stakeholders to deliver on our mandate to serve all of Northern Ontario.”
