Head of Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose set to retire

"Marilee Jennings, who joined the museum in 1987 and has been its head since 2008, announced Dec. 22 that she's retiring to spend more time with her family. Jennings helped shape the museum into a nationally recognized leader in early education, family engagement and community partnership. She also helped develop programming that expanded the museum's reach to families across the Bay Area."

"She was also integral to fostering a relationship with Zoom that led to the creation of the Children's Discovery Museum Zoom Zone at the San Jose Mineta International Airport. I'm so proud of what we've built together indoors, outdoors, and in the hearts of the families we serve, Jennings said in a release. A national search for Jennings' successor is underway, and she will support the museum through its transition period."

Marilee Jennings is retiring after 17 years as executive director of the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. She joined the museum in 1987 and led it since 2008. Jennings helped shape the museum into a nationally recognized leader in early education, family engagement and community partnership and expanded programming to families across the Bay Area. She oversaw outdoor spaces including Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, Exploration Portal and the Bubbling Up interactive bubble exhibit. Jennings fostered a partnership with Zoom that created the museum's Zoom Zone at San Jose Mineta International Airport. A national search for her successor is underway and the Marilee Jennings Future 35 Fund has been established. Brownie Troop 60125 volunteered with Family Giving Tree, hosted a Virtual Giving Tree and adopted 25 wish cards; donations are open at https://wishdrive.org/girlscouttroop60125.

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