2022 NEMA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

NEMA is pleased to honor Dr. Phelan Fretz with its 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. Phelan has built a distinguished career as a museum leader, strategic thinker, and mentor with a track record of success in science museums across the United States. This June he retired from ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT, after 20 years of service as its founding executive director. He previously served in leadership positions at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, the New England Aquarium in Boston, and Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.
Phelan served on the NEMA board of directors in leadership positions, including President. He currently serves as part of the NEMA 911 service and hosts the New England Museum Directors Roundtable group offering professional development and support to museum leaders.