Cox Science Center Added New Board Trustees

The West Palm Beach institution appointed three Palm Beach residents to help lead its ongoing expansion project.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of an architectural model for a science museum expansion project with clean geometric forms. — The Cox Science Center & Aquarium in West Palm Beach has appointed Deborah Norville, Bill Roberts, and Thomas Rosin to its board of trustees to assist with its ongoing multimillion-dollar expansion project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Cox Science Center & Aquarium has named three Palm Beach residents, Deborah Norville, Bill Roberts, and Thomas Rosin, to its board of trustees. These appointments coincide with the center’s massive multimillion-dollar expansion efforts.

Why it matters

The board additions are intended to support the institution as it scales operations to accommodate a projected annual capacity of nearly 1 million visitors. The expansion is critical to the center's goal of becoming a major educational destination in West Palm Beach.

The science center has secured significant financial backing, including a $10 million gift announced in April 2026 and $13 million in total contributions from Ken Griffin. These funds support an expansion project expected to finish in late 2027.

The players

Cox Science Center & Aquarium

This West Palm Beach institution provides educational science programming and is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar expansion.

Deborah Norville

A Palm Beach resident who has been appointed to serve on the center's board of trustees.

Bill Roberts

A local Palm Beach resident who joined the board of trustees to support the center's growth initiatives.

Thomas Rosin

A Palm Beach resident recently named to the institution's board of trustees.

The details

The ongoing construction, which is highly visible from Interstate 95, includes a new building and renovated interior spaces designed to enhance the facility's educational and outdoor capacity. The center has been actively raising capital for these improvements since launching its campaign in 2021.

The institution launched its capital expansion campaign in 2021.
Construction on the expansion project officially began in May 2024.
A $10 million gift from the Lauders was announced in April 2026.
The full expansion project is expected to be completed in late 2027.

Market Landscape

These board appointments follow the trajectory set by the 2021 capital expansion campaign. This initiative positions the institution to significantly increase its competitive standing and operational capacity within the Florida cultural and educational market.

Local residents and visitors can expect expanded educational and outdoor facilities once the renovation project reaches completion in late 2027. The project aims to improve visitor experiences as the center works toward its target of 1 million annual guests.

The takeaway

The addition of new trustees reflects the institution’s need for strong leadership to manage its massive infrastructure growth. Visitors can look forward to a modern facility that aims to rival major national educational centers upon its 2027 completion.