Joel A. Bartsch has served as president and chief executive officer of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) since 2004. His responsibilities in this position involve the coordination and development of immersive exhibits, oversight of the HMNS member services, and the expansion of educational offerings at the museum. Joel A. Bartsch is further tasked with managing the organization’s charitable initiatives and community work, with a focus on promoting volunteer opportunities in and around the Houston area.
Mr. Bartsch has driven considerable growth during his time as the executive leader of HMNS, expanding annual attendance from about 1.3 million visitors to approximately 2.5 million guests. The museum’s earned income over the same period has increased from less than $15 million to almost $40 million, thanks in part to his comprehensive restructuring efforts and facility renovations. He has added hundreds of thousands of square feet to the museum’s facilities, highlighted by the introduction of the interactive energy science education center in 2017.
Mr. Bartsch holds a master of arts in history and the history of science from Rice University. He completed a seminary studies program as an undergraduate at Concordia University.