ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Board of Directors of Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) announced today that Daniel Barstow, the STEM education nonprofit organization’s president, has resigned effective August 31, 2011 to pursue other opportunities. Challenger Center’s Board of Directors will search for a successor and has appointed Steven Kussmann, Director of Operations, as Acting President.
“Dan has served our organization professionally, and his sincere dedication for our mission and work will be missed,” said Scott Parazynski, Challenger Center’s board chairman. “We have an exceptional staff, a talented board, a strong network of Challenger Learning Centers and many dedicated supporters. The Board is confident that there will be a smooth transition to new leadership as we focus on our vision to substantially grow our reach across the nation and continue to deliver the finest hands-on STEM education and career inspiration on the planet.”
Barstow was elected president in December 2008 and played a role in strengthening Challenger Center’s operational structure, expanding its educational work, and in the success of Challenger Center’s 25th anniversary celebrations this year. Concerning his decision to resign, Barstow said: “I am grateful to have led Challenger Center as its president for the past three years. I want to thank the Board for giving me the opportunity to work with an extraordinary team of people dedicated to serving Challenger Center’s STEM education community and our great nation.”
About Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747
