November 12, 2026

For Immediate Release – November 12, 2026

Media Contacts:
Ro Rode, Director of Marketing and Communications
(561) 596-1410
ro.rode@lifeandscience.org

Durham, NC — The Museum of Life and Science is pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah Hylton to its Board of Directors. An experienced business leader, attorney, and nonprofit board member, Hylton brings decades of expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, executive leadership, and community service to the Museum.

Hylton has built a career using her business and legal experience to support organizations making a meaningful impact. Over the years, she has held executive leadership positions with companies in the Triangle and Pennsylvania and served as an independent director for family-owned businesses in the Midwest. She began her career practicing corporate and transactional law after moving to Durham to attend Duke University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor. Throughout her career, she has developed particular expertise in the biopharmaceutical, health care, and consumer products industries.

Her board leadership experience includes serving as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee for Midmark Corporation, as well as leadership roles with Wells Enterprises, Inc., SouthLight Healthcare, and Firm Logic LLC. She also previously served as President and CEO of Thrive 4-7, LLC.

Hylton’s connection to the Museum is also personal. Having raised her sons with visits to the Museum, she now enjoys bringing her grandchildren to experience its many exhibits, additions, and outdoor spaces.

“The Museum is a treasured place for my family, first with my children and now my grandchildren. I’m excited to join the good work of inspiring our community with outstanding learning and play experiences,” said Hylton.

Her professional experience and longstanding connection to the Durham community will bring valuable perspective to the Museum’s continued work of inspiring a lifelong love of science, discovery, and learning.

About the Museum of Life and Science
Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Our 84-acre campus includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. Our interactive experiences include Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, and Aerospace, which features one of the largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts in the state. The Museum is also an AZA-accredited zoo, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, endangered red wolves, and more than 60 species of live animals. For more than 80 years, the Museum has upheld its ongoing commitment to the communities of Durham, the Triangle, and North Carolina through programming, engagement, and research. To learn more, visit lifeandscience.org.

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