RALEIGH — A man who has led science museums in the United States and Canada is the new director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Emlyn Koster was named Monday to lead the museum. He was chosen to succeed Betsy Bennett, who led the museum as it became the state's most visited museum.

Among Koster's previous jobs is one as chief executive officer of Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, which was struggling when he took over. It then underwent a $109 million expansion and renewal.

Before that, he was CEO of Ontario Science Centre, Canada's largest science center.

Koster was chosen after a six-month search. He officially begins his new job Jan. 28.

The Museum of Natural Sciences recently attracted its 1 millionth visitor.