Nessler leaving RPS to lead children's museum

After nine years with Rochester Public Schools, Heather Nessler is moving on from the district to take a new job with the Spark children’s museum.

Spark’s board of directors announced Wednesday that Nessler will take over as the organization’s next executive director beginning April 18.

“I am beyond excited and humbled to be joining the team at SPARK. My passion for children, our future generation, coupled with my desire to expand on the strong mission and vision of the museum fuels me,” Nessler said in a statement. “I am eager to join the team this spring.”

For much of her time at RPS, Nessler has served in the administration cabinet as executive director of communications, marketing, and technology. During her tenure, the district was able to successfully pass two ballot measures, a operating referendum in 2015 and a bond referendum in 2019. She has also served as the district’s lead spokesperson.

“Heather Nessler has been a valued employee and asset for the Rochester Public School District for the last nine years,” Rochester School Board Chair Jean Marvin said in a written statement. “We really appreciate the service and vision she has provided in a position that is incredibly important and incredibly challenging. We absolutely believe that Spark has made a smart decision in asking Heather to be their executive director: she has deep experience in working with education and innovation, and we wish both Heather and the children's museum well.”

Spark, formerly known as the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester, has operated out of its current location at the Apache Mall since 2020. It reports to have welcomed 85,000 visitors since opening its doors there.

Cover photo: Heather Nessler / Submitted