July 15, 2026

For Immediate Release – July 15, 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 Billy Gerhard and Marlene Sidhu to its Board of Directors. Both leaders bring deep expertise in innovation, strategy, technology, and consumer engagement that will help advance the Museum’s mission to inspire lifelong learning through science and nature.

Billy Gerhard

Billy Gerhard serves as Chief Technology Officer at Three Ships, where he leads the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning across the organization. Previously, he was a Partner at Boston Consulting Group, leading cross-functional teams of engineers, data scientists, and consultants to develop and deploy AI solutions for clients. Gerhard earned his Ph.D. from Duke University and brings extensive experience in applying emerging technologies to solve complex challenges.

Marlene Sidhu

Marlene Sidhu is Vice President of the Indulgent Morning & Snacking category at Bimbo Bakeries USA. Since joining the company in 2014, she has held several senior leadership roles, including leading innovation, overseeing the Arnold, Brownberry, and Oroweat brands, establishing the company’s first Shopper Marketing team, and leading the Mid-Atlantic Customer team.

Sidhu began her career in investment banking with JPMorgan Chase and RBC Capital Markets before transitioning to brand marketing at Johnson & Johnson and Kraft Foods, where she led innovation initiatives in the snacking cheese category. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

“I’m thrilled to join the Board of the Museum of Life and Science!” said Sidhu. “I’m looking forward to applying my marketing experience to help more people discover the joy of curiosity and playful learning.”

Advancing the Museum

“The Museum benefits tremendously from board members whose diverse experiences strengthen our ability to serve our community,” said Carrie Heinonen, President and CEO of the Museum of Life and Science. “Billy’s leadership in artificial intelligence and technology, paired with Marlene’s expertise in brand strategy, innovation, and consumer engagement, will help us continue expanding opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and lifelong learning.”

As members of the Board of Directors, Gerhard and Sidhu will help guide the Museum’s strategic vision and support its ongoing efforts to connect people of all ages with science, nature, and innovation through transformative experiences.

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 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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