NEWS: Space Center Houston begins 10 year expansion plan

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/bay_area/news/space-center-houston-taps-directors-to-lead-program-expansions/article_83d3a67e-13ec-5a59-a8d7-0516500a8caf.html

 

Two new directors will lead program expansions at Space Center Houston as the nonprofit organization begins phase 1 of an ambitious 10-year plan.

 

"We are recruiting experienced and talented leaders to help launch the most exciting expansion to our museum since Space Center Houston opened for business," said Richard E. Allen Jr., chief executive officer at Space Center Houston. "Gayden has a tremendous amount of strategic communications experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, and Meg brings a wonderful enthusiasm for our educational mission and incredible insight into forging strong partnerships."

 

Gayden Cooper, appointed as director of communications and external relations, brings 30 years of communications experience. She has received national and regional awards for her work, including two Grand Excaliburs from the Public Relations Society of America, Houston Professional Chapter. Cooper will direct the strategic communications efforts, focusing on continued attendance growth and supporting the expanding education initiatives at Space Center Houston.

 

Meg Naumann, chief development officer, comes with a wealth of experience within the industry, having spent nearly 20 years directing fundraising efforts for multiple nonprofit organizations. In her previous role at the Lone Star Flight Museum, she led a $25 million capital campaign to support the museum's conservation and relocation efforts. Naumann now directs the $12 million capital campaign needed to deliver the shuttle carrier aircraft and transform it into a world class educational experience.

 

"We are very excited to have these two exceptionally experienced women join our team," said Fred Griffin, Manned Space Flight Education Foundation board chairman. "As we continue to grow, we know they will add to the success of our foundation."

 

The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft (SCA) will be transported to Space Center Houston in April. The SCA experience will include the full-scale space shuttle replica "Independence" mounted on top in the carry configuration. The SCA experience will be outfitted with state-of-the-art exhibits and provide guests access to the interior decks and bays of the orbiter replica and the 747. The new attraction will open in March 2015. The $12 million project is the first phase of a 10 year plan to continue the center's growth and expand its abilities to share the history of crewed exploration.

Edited January 31, 2014 by jedimaster1227

[Cyrbuzz]

That's pretty cool that they're expanding the experience. I live in Florida and love Kennedy Space Center so much history. These spacecenters offer a lot to the avid space nut or the general public. I've been to the space center in Huntsville Alabama as well and it too is very impressive. In fact that is where Space Camp started one of 3 centers that still has a Saturn V rocket on display._