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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Lauren Palmer, Assistant City ManagerCity of Manhattan1101 Poyntz Ave.Manhattan, Kansas 66502(785) 587-2404palmer@ci.manhattan.ks.us
DISCOVERY CENTER DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED
MANHATTAN, Kansas, October 5, 2009 – Robert (Bob) Workman has been named Director of theFlint Hills Discovery Center. Ron R. Fehr, City Manager for the City of Manhattan, announced theappointment Monday. Workman was selected from an initial pool of over 50 applicants identifiedthrough a national search. He will be available to meet members of the public on Tuesday, October13, during a brief program to formally recognize and welcome the National Geographic Flint HillsPhoto Display to Manhattan. The event will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. in Center Court at ManhattanTown Center.Workman will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of building and exhibit design andconstruction of the Discovery Center. This includes contract negotiation, construction oversight,budget management, and public information. Workman will also lead an approximately $4-5 millionfundraising campaign to generate the remaining funds needed to complete the facility as envisioned.As the Center becomes operational, his duties will expand to include staff selection, planning,budgeting, financial management, media relations, marketing, program development, andfundraising.“I am extremely pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Workman as Director of the DiscoveryCenter. Bob’s extensive background in museum building projects and fundraising will beinstrumental in advancing the development of this important asset for our community,” said Fehr.
 
News Release: Discovery Center Director Announced
 Page TwoCurt Loupe, Director of Parks and Recreation, added, “Bob brings to the City over 30 years of experience in the museum industry, and much of that time has been spent directing majorconstruction and fundraising efforts. I can’t imagine a better candidate to take on this role.”Karen Hibbard, Director of the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau, participated in theselection process and said, “As a native Kansan, Bob understands the importance of being acommunity-oriented person, and he recognizes that the Discovery Center will be an attraction notonly for Manhattan, but the entire Flint Hills region. We look forward to working with Bob as theDiscovery Center comes to life.”Due to his prior commitments through the end of the calendar year, Workman will beginemployment officially on January 4, 2010, but will immediately become an active participant in keydiscussions while he completes his transition from Arkansas. He will make periodic visits toManhattan before his start date to participate in meetings and events related to the Discovery Center.
Workman will be relocating with his wife Liz, a collections management consultant andaccomplished photographer.
 “I don’t want to give the impression that things are slowing down until January,” said Fehr. “On thecontrary, Bob has committed to volunteering his time between now and the end of the year to reviewdocuments, participate in conference calls, and get up to speed on the history and status of theproject. In addition, he will be visiting Manhattan as needed between now and January to beginmeeting key stakeholders and interacting with our staff and consulting team. I am confident he willhit the ground running when he joins us full time.”
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