Vegas named COSI board chair

Pablo Vegas, AEP Ohio president and chief operating officer, has been named board chair of COSI’s (Center of Science and Industry) board of trustees.

Pablo Vegas

“I am thrilled to be taking over as board chair at a time of great momentum and opportunity for COSI. I look forward to working with the board and COSI leadership as we build on our success and explore additional ways to best serve the cultural and educational needs of our community through our unique institution.” said Vegas.

In addition, former board chair, Mark R. Thresher has been named chair emeritus. Thresher is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Nationwide as well as leader of Nationwide’s investment operations and Nationwide Realty Investments.

“COSI is delighted to have Pablo Vegas assume a new leadership role given his interest and background in science and technology while still benefiting from Mark Thresher’s experience on the board,” said David E. Chesebrough, Ed.D., president and CEO of COSI. “Both hold a wealth of knowledge that will be vital to the continued success of COSI.”

The volunteer board of trustees provides dedicated leadership and support, enabling COSI to engage with more than one million individuals every year both on-site and off-site. There are 13 people on the board.

COSI, Columbus, Ohio’s dynamic Center of Science and Industry, inspires the scientists, dreamers and innovators of tomorrow. Opened in 1964 at Memorial Hall in downtown Columbus, COSI moved in 1999 to a new 320,000-square-foot home designed by internationally-renowned architect Arata Isozaki, creating one of the largest modern-built science centers in the United States. COSI continues to represent a significant investment in the economic development and community revitalization of downtown Columbus. In 2008, COSI was named America’s #1 science center for families by Parent Magazine.