Scott Sampson, the paleontologist-turned-museum-leader in charge of the California Academy of Sciences since 2019, is stepping down as executive director of the California Academy of Sciences, the institution announced Wednesday.

“It has been a privilege to serve the Academy and work alongside such talented staff, scientists, and educators,” Sampson said in a statement. “I’ve decided that it is the right time to step aside. I plan to spend the next several months completing my new book, ‘Superbloom,’ before considering what comes next. I remain very grateful for my time here and optimistic about the institution’s bright future.”

Sampson will step down as executive director on May 29, but will remain in an advisory capacity until June 30, according to a press release.

Last month, the institution laid off (opens in new tab)53 workers (opens in new tab), around 9% of its staff, citing continuing fiscal challenges.

The Academy’s Board of Trustees has appointed Amber Mace, a relative newcomer to the Academy who serves as the institution’s inaugural Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer, as interim executive director.

Mace, who joined the Academy in 2023, previously served as CEO of the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the nonpartisan body that advises state lawmakers on scientific matters.

This is a developing story and will be updated.