Cynthia Heckscher was named to lead the board of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University today announced the election of a new chair of its governing board and three new trustees from Drexel.

Cynthia Heckscher, managing director of Diversified Search, a leading provider of executive search services, was named to lead the board of the nation’s oldest natural history museum as it prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary. Heckscher, of Philadelphia, joined the board in 2009. She replaces board Chairman James Macaleer, who remains a trustee.

With the recent affiliation with Drexel University, the Academy welcomed to its board Drexel President John A. Fry, Drexel Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark L. Greenberg, and Drexel Senior Vice President for Finance, Treasurer and CFO Helen Bowman.

“We are so pleased to work with our new, distinguished trustees from Drexel University, as we continue to define our affiliation and prepare to celebrate our Bicentennial starting in March,” said Academy President and CEO George W. Gephart, Jr. “And we all are looking forward to working with Cindy, who is only the second female chair in our long, distinguished history.”

Heckscher has served on several Academy board committees, including the one that helped make the idea for a partnership with Drexel a reality. “The two institutions have tremendously compatible missions and more than compatible leaders,” she said. “Having the chance to integrate our resources in science, education, communications, and public service while respecting our distinct histories is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”