Staff Directory

Mike Norman has served as Chief Executive Officer at Kentucky Science Center since 2020. As President & CEO, Mike leads all Kentucky Science Center activities, including exhibits, educational programs, partnerships, while ensuring all programs fulfil the mission of encouraging people of all ages to Do Science in engaging, educational and entertaining ways. Under Mike’s direction, the Science Center strives to promote science literacy, nurture lifelong learning, and prime the STEAM workforce pipeline by serving people wherever they live. 

Building on the positive momentum and successes of the Science Center, Mike’s primary focus is growing Kentucky Science Center’s visibility and sustainability – locally, regionally, and nationally – as a premier Science Center. He reinforces Kentucky Science Center as an asset for life-long learning for people from various backgrounds, experiences and understanding throughout the region. This effort includes nurturing partnerships to expand opportunities for learners of all ages and expanding the organization’s presence as an institution supporting and inspiring the workforce development pipeline that benefits all communities across the Kentucky and Indiana region for generations to come.

Mike has been with Kentucky Science Center since 2011, serving as the Chief Operating Officer before his elevation to CEO and President. As COO, he was responsible for operationalizing strategy and tactical direction, overseeing overall operations and internal processes, budget development and program supervision and nurturing a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals.

During his time with Kentucky Science Center, the organization has grown to serving more than 325,000 annually, impacting 100% of Kentucky counties and 98% of Indiana counties. Under his leadership, the Science Center achieved financial stability and sustainability with growth of $2 million in operating budget primarily through earned income initiatives. This included using rigid data analytics to identify process improvements that continue to provide efficiencies across key business areas, including education programming, signature events, facilities, theater, finance, technology, and human resources. Mike was responsible for the conversion of the theater into a state-of-the-art digital facility, and the development of several beloved exhibits such as Be in a Bubble and the Water Table.

Prior to joining Kentucky Science Center, Mike spent 11 years as Chief Audit Executive for Louisville Metro Government. In this role, he led the Office of Internal Audit in the performance of operational, internal controls, pre-implementation systems review, computer access and security, performance, and fraud reviews. During his tenure, he successfully reinvented the department by instilling a vision of a performance-based culture that embraced continuous improvement and client satisfaction and instituted new teams and systems with a priority on individual and team development to optimize productivity and professionalism. This included an emphasis on all staff maintaining at least one professional designation, continuing education, and support of advanced degree work. He also developed an award-winning website that provided internal and external customers easier access to relevant information.

Mike is a native Louisvillian holding a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Louisville. He is a proud graduate of the Jefferson County Public School system. Norman is married to a registered nurse, and they have two sons. He is active in several civic and religious organizations, and likes to spend spare time bicycling, hiking, playing golf, and watching U of L athletics.

Contact Information:

502-560-7174
[email protected]

As Chief Operating Officer, Mellisa Blankenship provides visionary leadership in the development of Kentucky Science Center programs and experiences. She’s also responsible for cultivating innovative and collaborative partnerships–locally, regionally, and nationally.

Mellisa is a scientist herself, holding a BA in Biology from Indiana University Southeast. After numerous years at the Science Center, she feels most proud to have fostered some incredibly engaging and rewarding partnerships all over the state–community partners who share our passions for engaging, entertaining, and enriching the lives of children. These relationships have given her a profound appreciation for all that our community has to offer, and for Kentucky’s welcoming, giving nature.

When she’s not Doing Science, Mellisa spends her free time exploring the outdoors with her two sons. They love to imagine that they’re on a wild adventure uncovering a lost city or finding an elusive creature. Her boys keep her imagination active, and their curiosity drives her to create new and exciting programs that her sons would love.

Contact Information:

502-560-7164
[email protected]

As Chief Financial Officer, Becky serves as the senior business leader for Kentucky Science Center, impacting both strategic and tactical direction for the organization.  She is responsible for the development of the Science Center’s financial management and operating strategy and contributes to the development of the Science Center’s strategic goals.

Prior to joining the Science Center, Becky spent a decade working in public accounting as an external auditor, serving publicly traded and privately held companies, as well as many not-for-profit organizations (including Kentucky Science Center!)

Becky is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and holds an active Certified Public Accountant license. When she’s not Doing Science, Becky enjoys hanging out with her husband and two children, volunteering at her church, and following Ohio State football.

Contact Information:

502-560-7136
[email protected]

As the Chief People and Culture Officer, Eryn is responsible for establishing and implementing a comprehensive human resources strategy to include processes, programs, and initiatives that effectively communicate and support Kentucky Science Center’s mission, vision, and values. This includes leadership of the human resource and culture functions for the organization.

Prior to joining Kentucky Science Center, Eryn spent a decade working in human resources in non-profit and for-profit capacities. Most recently she was an HR Director for Papa John’s corporate office in Louisville supporting corporate, field, and Canadian business groups. She previously worked in HR roles for the Salvation Army and Kentucky Kingdom.  

Eryn studied at Campbellsville University majoring in Organizational Management. When she’s not Doing Science, Eryn enjoys hanging out with her two children, her immediate family, and friends, reading, enjoying crab legs, attending church, and getting to the beach during the summertime.  

Contact Information:

502-560-7175

[email protected]