The Sci-Tech Center of Northern New York on Wednesday announced the appointment of Stephen A. Karon as executive director.

Mr. Karon opened what became the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, or MOST, in Syracuse in 1981, and he served as executive director of MOST for more than 20 years. He will begin at the Watertown center Monday.

"I see incredible possibilities," Mr. Karon said. "Rather than changing, I'd like to see building upon what's there now — more programs, more exhibits, more partnerships with local organizations."

Citing the museum's 25-year history in Watertown, he said, "It's existence demonstrates the board's commitment to the center and Watertown."

The board was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Karon applied. "We never expected to get a resume from him," said Eddie J. Wilson, president of the Sci-Tech Center's Board of Directors.

The center, located at 154 Stone St., is a nonprofit museum with interactive, hands-on exhibits that also hosts educational workshops, tours and classes.

Before founding MOST, Mr. Karon served as director of exhibits and facilities at the Maryland Science Center, and as education associate at the Museum of Science in Boston. The Technology Alliance of Central New York honored Mr. Karon with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Karon will be the first paid employee the Sci-Tech Center has had in several years. In recent years, the center has depended on a core of about a half-dozen dedicated volunteers, Mr. Wilson said.

The Sci-Tech Center is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at www.scitechcenter.org.