MATT LORENTZEN ON TURNING A SCIENCE CENTER’S FINANCES AROUND

March 31, 2016 2016, Dimensions, Our Boards in Action Emily Schuster

Interviewed by Joelle Seligson

This interview appeared in the March/April 2016 issue of Dimensionsmagazine.

Founded in 1961, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is an “important institution” in Palm Beach County, according to board chair Matt Lorentzen. Unfortunately, its finances didn’t always match its reputation. Before Lorentzen came aboard in 2008, the center had been operating under a budget deficit for years. Lorentzen, who works in aviation finance and is the father of three boys, led the museum not only out of the red but well into the black: it boasted more than $300,000 in surplus revenues as of 2012. He also helped usher in a $5 million expansion that has made the aquarium one of the largest in the state. Below, he lets us in on this “very satisfying” experience.

Read the full transcript of this interview.

Listen to the podcast here.