Frederic Bertley
Executive. Educator. Innovator. Inspirer.
Who is Dr. B?
Watch this video
Dr. Frederic Bertley, affectionately known as “Dr. B.” is the President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), ranked America’s #1 science museum by USA Today. Dr. B. is passionate about democratizing access to science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) and supports this through a myriad of innovative programs, commitment to outreach and ubiquitous engagement.
Dr. Bertley is also the CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) where he is leading the national museum through a transformational phase to continue to honor and celebrate the lives of Veterans, their families, and our community.
Have fun exploring this site and learning more about Dr. B.!
Looking to book Dr. B. for your next speaking engagement?
Click here for more information.
Some Cool Things
Dr. B. Has Accomplished
-
2026 THEA CATALYST AWARD – Themed Entertainment Association
-
2025 The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education
-
2025 Alpha Phi Alpha Jewel Award
-
2025 Shorty Award – Dr. B in 3 (Los Angelos)
-
2023 National Medal Honoree – White House (IMLS). Led the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) to receive the Nation Medal from the Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS)
-
Led the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) to be named America's Best Science Museum 4 years in a row [2020-2023] by USA Today 10Best
-
The Spirit of Columbus Award, 2023
-
Smart 50 Award Honoree from Smart Business 5 years running [2019-2023]
-
Presidential Medal for Service, The Ohio State University, 2021
-
Three (3) Honorary Doctorates (McGill University, Otterbein University, Columbus State)
-
Five-time commencement speaker (McGill, OSU, Otterbein, Columbus State, Central State)
-
15-time EMMY™ Award winner!
-
Columbus CEO Magazine's CEO of the Year, 2018
-
C-Suite Award from Columbus Business First [2018, 2020 & 2021]
-
Inducted in the Library of Congress, History Makers, 2015
-
Founded The Color of Science™ program
-
Guest speaker at The United Nations, the White House, and the US Department of Interior
-
Keynoted and/or invited speaker at numerous national and international conferences
-
Public Service: Dr. B. serves on numerous non-profit boards from education and science communication to community development and transportation initiatives
Dr. B. Speaks at Groundbreaking Ceremony
Watch THE SPEECH
FEatured quote
"The man who is right is a majority. We, who have God and conscience on our side, have a majority against the universe. "
~Frederick Douglass
Find Dr. B. on X