Staff Directory

Mike Norman

Chief Executive Officer

502-560-7174
michael.norman@louisvilleky.gov

Mike Norman has served as Chief Executive Officer at Kentucky Science Center since 2020. As CEO, Norman leads all KSC activities, including exhibits, educational programs, partnerships, and digital theater films, while ensuring all programs fulfil the mission of encouraging people of all ages to Do Science in engaging, educational and entertaining ways, inspiring a lifetime of learning. Under Norman’s direction KSC strives towards the successful achievement of the goals aligned in Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, KSC’s Board approved three-year strategic plan.

Building on the positive momentum and successes of KSC, Norman’s primary focus on 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.

Norman has been with Kentucky Science Center since 2011, serving as the Chief Operating Officer before his elevation to CEO. As COO, he was the second highest ranking position in the organization, and 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 all 120 Kentucky counties and 93% of Indiana counties. Under his leadership, KSC 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. Norman 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, Norman 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.

Norman 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, both of whom are students at the University of Louisville. 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. Norman is a proud member of the 2021 class of Leadership Kentucky.