New CEO named at Discovery Center

The Discovery Center of Springfield Inc. has appointed a new CEO.

Tyler Moles is being promoted to CEO from chief operating officer, according to a news release. He succeeds Rob Blevins, who last year was named COO of the national Yass Prize and has continued to lead the Discovery Center.

"In stepping into the role of CEO at the Discovery Center of Springfield, I am deeply honored to lead an institution that stands at the forefront of inspiring the next generation," Moles said in the release. “It is through nurturing these young minds today that we pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future for Springfield and the Ozarks."

Moles is the fourth CEO since the Discovery Center was incorporated in 1991. He joined the nonprofit in 2021 after previously working at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks Inc. Moles was a member of Springfield Business Journal's 2022 class of Men of the Year and 2016 class of 40 Under 40.

Blevins was appointed to the COO role at the Yass Prize in late summer 2023, according to past reporting. The Discovery Center in December 2021 received the $1 million Yass Prize for its education work during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to past reporting. Forbes partnered with the Center for Education Reform on the award.