CuriOdyssey Science Playground & Zoo Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of CuriOdyssey Science Playground & Zoo today announced the appointment of Josh Brankman as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Brankman is a Bay Area local who brings over 20 years of experience in leadership positions in the education, non-profit, and philanthropy sectors to his new role with CuriOdyssey. His work has focused mainly on both traditional and alternative education, supporting youth and families at local and national levels at the intersections of education, the environment, equity, justice, and well-being. Brankman has significant fundraising experience and has led diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This appointment is effective immediately.

“Mr. Brankman has built education organizations from the ground up and led established nonprofits at scale, and that combination of entrepreneurial drive and seasoned leadership makes him the right leader for CuriOdyssey’s next chapter,” said Board Chair Ashish Motivala.

As CEO, Brankman will bring his unique experience in the educational sphere to CuriOdyssey’s youth programming, conservation initiatives, access programs, and core mission to inspire a love of science and curiosity about the world through hands-on science exhibits and connecting with wildlife.

“I am honored to join the dedicated team at CuriOdyssey and to continue building on the organization's legacy of conservation, community impact, and to encourage the next generation to be curious about science and the world around us,” said Brankman.

Most recently, Brankman served as Vice President of Education for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) where he led the Project Learning Tree program, working with its national network of environmental educators and partners across the US and Canada. He formerly held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at College Track, where he oversaw organizational restructure and program redesign processes.

Brankman was the National Executive Director at Outward Bound USA, a position he held for four years, leading the national network of Outward Bound schools through the COVID-19 pandemic and racial reckoning of 2020, while developing a new comprehensive professional training and evaluation program. He began his Outward Bound career as Executive Director of Outward Bound California where he grew the organization and impact over nine years. Prior to Outward Bound, Brankman worked as a public charter high school teacher and Principal.

He lives in San Francisco with his wife, Perry, young son, Jordan, and their cute and quirky dog, Harry. For more information, visit www.CuriOdyssey.org

About CuriOdyssey

CuriOdyssey’s mission is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world to create a better future. As a non-profit science museum and zoo, CuriOdyssey lets kids observe wild animals, experiment with scientific phenomena and let the natural world answer their questions. Founded in 1953 as a junior museum, the museum was rebranded in 2011 as CuriOdyssey, catalyzing growth in audiences, educational programs and exhibits. Long a much-loved destination for families in the Bay Area, CuriOdyssey is increasingly known as a champion for a way of learning that engages children in science. CuriOdyssey is located at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo.