ST. LOUIS (October 2, 2019) – The Saint Louis Science Center Board of Commissioners announced today that Todd Bastean has been selected as the next president and CEO. Bastean recently retired as president of Bunge’s North American businesses. Bunge is a leading global agribusiness and food and ingredients company with 360 locations in 40 countries around the world. Bastean had been with Bunge in several executive roles since 1994.
Bastean will assume leadership of the Science Center on October 7, 2019, after having served as a member on the Saint Louis Science Center Board of Trustees for three years. He assumes the leadership from Barbara Boyle, interim president and CEO for the past year. Boyle will resume her duties as chief operating officer and chief financial officer.
“Todd was chosen to lead the Science Center for his extensive executive experience and his commitment to one of St. Louis’ most prized institutions,” said Donna Wilkinson, president of the Science Center Board of Trustees and search committee chairman. “His background in agriculture tech and focus on STEM –areas in which the Science Center leads the science and technology museum industry– will be of great benefit to the region.”
“It is a great honor to join the Saint Louis Science Center and contribute to its continued growth,” said Bastean. “The Saint Louis Science Center is a nationally recognized institution we should all be proud of; it is uniquely situated to be the most relevant institution in the region. I look forward to working with such a gifted team and helping the Science Center reach its greatest potential.”
Bastean will lead the Science Center’s more than 200 employees and 300 volunteers working to fulfill the Science Center’s mission: “To ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.”
“While our search was international, sometimes the right person is found in our own backyard,” said Gene Toombs, chairman of the Saint Louis Science Center Board of Commissioners. “Todd brings to the table an understanding of the area and its leaders. We will be well-served by leadership that is so steeped in the community.”
A native of Quincy, Illinois, Bastean has been a St. Louis resident for 25 years. He and his wife Kim have two grown children.
“We are very grateful to Barb for her service to the Science Center over the last year,” noted Toombs. “The Science Center is on pace to have a very successful year. We are well-positioned for Todd’s vision of a bold future.”
About Todd Bastean
Todd Bastean is president and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center.
Since 2013, he served as president of Bunge North America, where he led the North American business of Bunge Limited. With over 100 locations in Canada, Mexico and the United States, Bunge North America is part of Bunge Limited, a leading global agribusiness, food and ingredients company with 360 locations in 40 countries around the world.
Bastean started his career at Bunge in 1994 and became CFO of Bunge North America in 2010. Before assuming that role he served as vice president & general manager of the operating company’s milling and biofuels business units, and as vice president and chief administrative officer of its grain and milling business units. He also held positions in strategic planning and auditing. Prior to joining Bunge, he worked for KPMG Peat Marwick.
Bastean has been an active community volunteer, serving on the Saint Louis Science Center Board of Trustees for the past three years, and on the advisory council for The Yield Lab, an incubator enabling entrepreneurs to sustainably revolutionize agrifood systems, globally.
Bastean holds a B.S. degree in accounting from Western Illinois University. A native of Quincy, Illinois, Bastean has been a St. Louis resident for 25 years. He and his wife Kim have two grown children.
Saint Louis Science Center
The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the Saint Louis Science Center features more than 700 interactive exhibits, as well as a five-story OMNIMAX® Theater, Boeing Hall and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.
