Fern joined Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation in 1995 as Director of Finance and Administration. COO since 2005, Fern is responsible for the operations, global finances, and strategic plan implementation of Ingenium’s three national museums: Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Canada Science and Technology Museum. Fern previously served as Interim President and CEO of Ingenium in 2008, 2013, and from 2017 to 2018.
Prior to his career in museums, Fern held a variety of positions in the private sector, which gave him a well-rounded understanding of process improvements and value engineering. He worked as a business analyst in an international chemical corporation where he assisted in the implementation of a global profitability planning model. Although a financial management specialist, Fern contributed to a number of food distribution companies in a variety of ways, such as logistics management, sales, marketing, and systems development.
Fern obtained an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in 1985 from the University of Windsor, and is an alumnus of the prestigious Getty Museum Leadership Institute program. Fern is active in the community as a volunteer and mentor. Although retired from competitive athletics, he fuels his passion for sports as an avid fan. A proud father of two daughters, Fern resides with his wife in Gatineau, Quebec.