A New Future for the Charlotte Museum of Nature with Rachel Cusick and Elliot Provance
TOPIC: A New Future for the Charlotte Museum of Nature
SPEAKER: Rachel Cusick, Chief Advancement Officer, Discovery Place Museums
and Elliot Provance, Sr. Director, Collections, Discovery Place
The new Charlotte Museum of Nature will feature an expanded layout integrated directly into the surrounding 11-acre woodland forest and Freedom Park public green space, including:
- Native Wildlife Habitats: New custom enclosures for North American river otters, a frog bog, and an owl aviary.
- Treetop Canopy Walk: An outdoor elevated trail system designed to take advantage of the park’s older forest setting.
- Hands-on Naturalist Lab: Immersive indoor spaces designed for local ecosystem schooling and science exploration.
- Saplings Zone: A dedicated, nature-inspired indoor play space built explicitly for early childhood discovery.
- Public Plaza & Gardens: Free community spaces and gardens facing the Little Sugar Creek Greenway that do not require museum admission.
BIOGRAPHY
Rachel Cusick Bio:
Chief Advancement Officer and enterprise leader recognized for building high-performing advancement teams that strengthen institutional relevance, modernize philanthropy, and deliver transformational revenue. Believes exceptional organizations are built by investing in people and cultivating a culture of belonging and shared accountability. Combines campaign and principal-gift expertise with organizational leadership, board development, government and corporate partnerships, data-informed decision-making, and thoughtful integration of technology and AI. Trusted advisor to CEOs and trustees with a proven record of leading through growth, change, and reputational complexity.
Elliott Provance Bio:
With over 20 years of professional experience, I am currently the Senior Director of Collections at Discovery Place, where I focus on driving excellence in living collections and exhibition design. My expertise lies in ecology and creative direction, and I am committed to creating engaging, educational, and visually captivating exhibits that inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world. I strive to bring innovative and sustainable strategies to my work, creating meaningful experiences for diverse audiences and aligning with Discovery Place’s mission of inspiring exploration and conservation.
At Discovery Place, I have guided the development and management of living collections and exhibitions, ensuring they reflect both educational and aesthetic value. Leveraging my skills in exhibit design and creative direction, I have collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver compelling aquatic features and museum displays. My role also includes working with professionals across various industries, such as museums, aquariums, and zoos, where I have contributed my expertise in designing innovative aquatic elements like aquariums and water features.
