Mandy Santiago joined the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science as executive director on April 7. She’s already planning for her replacement.
It’s one of the reasons she was hired.
In announcing their choice after a nationwide search, the museum board of directors said they chose Santiago for her leadership experience, her commitment to engaging the community and for her strategic vision. That vision includes planning for the day, years from now, when a new director will need to be chosen, said Santiago.
Until that day comes, though, Santiago is excited for this opportunity. She comes to the position with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and communications, with leadership roles spanning health care, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. She most recently served as director of communications and grants for ChristianaCare’s office of philanthropy.
“Inspiring future generations of nature and science enthusiasts has been my lifelong passion, and I am eager to partner with the community to build upon the museum’s strong foundation and Halsey’s impressive legacy,” Santiago said.
Halsey Spruance, the museum’s most recent director announced his retirement last October, but agreed to stay on as a consultant for the transition.
“It’s been a fabulous experience,” Santiago said. Having Spruance’s institutional knowledge and connections a phone call away is extremely helpful, she said.
Santiago has no plans for big changes at the museum in the near future. She wants to build on the impressive collections and research already being done at the museum, increase grants and giving, and partner more with the community.
“In addition to her strong qualifications, Mandy was clearly passionate about the museum and our mission,” said Eda Ross Montgomery
Santiago does want to go slowly and learn the current way of the museum, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be change. She is a woman who enjoys a challenge and meeting big goals she sets for herself – like completing a Master of Science in forensic medicine at a medical school or competing in a Spartan race – all things Santiago’s already done. She describes herself as the person who looks for ways to make things happen when other people say it is impossible.
“Mandy brings a dynamic combination of leadership experience and passion for mission-driven work,” Montgomery said. “Her enthusiasm, expertise, and deep commitment to community engagement make her an exceptional choice to lead the museum into the future.”
That future could include new display and research space and more interactive exhibits with QR codes so people can use their phones, Santiago said. Finding new ways to engage the public, especially female population, is very important to her.
Santiago spent too many years as the only woman in the room at STEM events, and wants to see more girls claim their place in science. To help make that happen, she aims to expand the museum’s Teen Science Café—a program created by teens, for teens, to explore STEAM topics—as a way to grow the audience, involve the community, and “serve as a pipeline for future staff.”
The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science welcomed more than 80,000 visitors in 2023. Santiago hopes to grow that number—not just by attracting new guests, but by creating exhibits that are engaging enough to keep people coming back. Her goal, she said, is to make visitors feel like they’re not just at a museum, but part of a family.
The vision of the museum, to create “A caring, connected community that protects our living planet,” is an important component to Santiago.
“I am incredibly honored to serve as Executive Director of the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, and I look forward to working alongside the talented staff, board, volunteers, and supporters who bring the museum’s mission to life each and every day,” Santiago said. “We are the forensic evidence locker for nature.”
