Space

Chabot Space and Science Center. Oakland, CA

During my tenure as CEO (for the Joint Powers Agency Board of Directors) and Executive Director (for the non profit Foundation) at Chabot, I was privileged to work with a diverse Board of Directors and Trustees as well as a great staff in managing a significant fiscal crisis. This involved overhauling the exhibits and planetarium theater technologies, trying new ideas and events to bring in visitors, and the construction of additional educational facilities. I was also focused on efficiencies, streamlining day to day operations, restructuring the organization, expanding partnership and collaborations and seeking increased funding through grants, donations and political advocacy.

The National Space Centre. Leicester, UK

I am proud to have been part of the founding team for the UK's premiere visitor attraction on space and astronomy, which opened in 2001. As Creative Director I was responsible for the creative direction, and overseeing the contractors and staff responsible for the design and delivery of the exhibits, artifact displays, temporary exhibitions and the multimedia planetarium theater and its content. As Programs Director, I oversaw the development and delivery of education and public outreach programs and partnerships. As Business Development Director, I focused on grant opportunities, relationships with stakeholders and contributors and the stabilizing and building of the market for the fledgling NSC Creative - now an acclaimed production company producing for domed theaters, 3D simulators and other attractions worldwide.

"Moffett Center"

Part of the lease of the Moffett Federal Airfield by Planetary Ventures (a Google subsidiary) requires the construction of a 'warm shell' educational/public access facility. I was asked to scope and produce outline business plans and concepts for this facility, and its operating entity. The scoping involved work with NASA Ames, Moffett Field Historical Society, local non profits, and other stakeholders.

Google Lunar XPRIZE

As the lead for the prize, I directed a team plus numerous consultants running the administration of this $30million prize. This involved encouraging the participation of 20+ international teams and stakeholders including Google, NASA, ESA, other government agencies, private space industry and lunar/planetary scientists. At times, I joked I was a one-woman Lunar Chamber of Commerce! I directed a global engagement program as well as managed budgets and fundraising requests and reporting to prize sponsor. At times, I contributed more broadly to XPRIZE prize design and planning for other prizes.

While a Board Member for the Space Frontier Foundation, I took the reins for six months during a search for a new Executive Director. This involved mentoring and working with SFF's amazing volunteers - most of whom are young newspace professionals - who organize and deliver the vibrant newspace conference. Together we planned conference schedules and logistics, organized sponsorships and donations, the annual award etc. The role that SFF plays in generating networks of young space professionals - many who were formerly part of SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) is vital.

Commercial Engagement Consultant, NASA Ames Space Portal

"Since 2005, the Space Portal office provides a "friendly front door to space," and seeks to demonstrate and support more effective and flexible mechanisms for industry, academia, and government collaboration. We pursue partnerships in: commercial cislunar, commercial microgravity and deep space industrialization."

I consulted part time with the Portal over several years, working on Lunar Settlement, sustainability and outreach/innovation projects.