Patricia Wellenbach, who has served more than nine years as President & CEO of the Please Touch Museum, is stepping down from her leadership role in 2025.

“When I arrived at the Please Touch Museum in 2015, I was focused on stabilizing this treasured Philadelphia institution and reinvigorating the Museum’s reputation of innovation, boldness, and excellence in our community,” said Wellenbach in a press release. 

She added that the Museum is now stronger than it has ever been and feels that this is the right time for a leadership transition. 

Shawn Tuli, chair of the board of trustees for the Please Touch Museum, noted that Wellenbach arrived during a time when the Museum was at a crossroads and experiencing financial challenges that called for a courageous leader.

Wellenbach fit the bill. 

“Trish has been a transformative leader for the Please Touch Museum,” said Tuli.

Under Wellenbach’s leadership, the Museum overcame a 56-week closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proving its resilience and reimagining its purpose. 

She has also transformed the Museum into not only a place to learn through play, but also as a welcoming space for children in the community to share their hopes and dreams. 

Wellenbach will remain with the institution until the Board appoints her successor.

Read more about Patricia Wellenbach and her tenure leading the nationally recognized museum at the Please Touch Museum.

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