Kentucky Science Center has a new strategic plan focusing on the future of the organization. The three-year plan highlights the Science Center’s upcoming staff, building, and programmatic investments.
At the staff level, the new strategic plan will create clear paths to advancement for existing Team Members up and down the chain of command while also opening professional development opportunities and rewarding Team Member excellence. Recruitment, hiring, and retention policies will also be evaluated with an Anti-Racist lens to root out internal inequities and ensure that the organization accurately reflects the vibrance of the local community.
New investments will be made in the infrastructure, exhibits, and amenities at Kentucky Science Center’s flagship Louisville location, with a goal of advancing the organization’s status as a world class Science Center. Plans are underway to update existing building areas; develop new experiences focused on timely, relevant content like aerospace, agritech, and climate change; and open the final version of the 3rd floor Uniquely Human experience.
The strategic plan also calls for increasing Kentucky Science Center’s reach throughout the Commonwealth and beyond by identifying opportunities for long-term satellite locations outside of Louisville, expanding existing travelling program offerings, and providing sustained commitment to science education in underserved communities.
As part of the implementation process for the strategic plan, a number of Kentucky Science Center Team Members have received promotions that better reflect their role as key thought leaders within the organization. New Chief-level staff are Chief Financial Officer Becky Baird, Chief Mission Officer Mellisa Blankenship, Chief Guest Relations Officer Toph Bryant, and Chief Philanthropy Officer Meredith Loeb. New Director-level staff include Director of Marketing and Communications Strategy Brittney Gorter, Director of Philanthropy Morgan McLaughlin, Director of Education Mira Johnson, and Director of Operations Starr Peters.
“I’m thrilled to unveil our new three-year strategic plan, developed in collaboration with our Board of Directors and Team Members,” says Kentucky Science Center Chief Executive Officer Mike Norman. “This plan will enable us to provide Science for All throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. And the promotion of these extremely talented Team Members to c-suite partners provides a strong foundation for us to do the important work of promoting science literacy, nurturing lifelong learning, and priming the workforce pipeline for everyone.”
Additional c-suite changes include the planned departure of Chief Creative Officer Jo Haas at the end of July. Since stepping down as CEO in March 2020, Haas had been working to finalize a number of legacy projects, including the development of the Uniquely Human exhibition and Kentucky Science Center’s participation in the Playworks project with Waterfront Park. More details on a community celebration to highlight Haas’ many accomplishments will be released in the coming weeks.
Kentucky Science Center is located at 727 W. Main Street on Louisville’s historic Museum Row and is open to the public seven days a week from 9:30AM to 5:00PM. Our 50,000 square feet of space allows families plenty of opportunity to explore, experiment, and Do Science. Buy your tickets online and save $3 off general admission prices. Secure your spot by visiting kysciencecenter.org.