COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Space Foundation announced today that Kevin Orangers is the new Executive Director of the Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, the region’s only space science center.
In announcing the new addition to the Space Foundation’s leadership team, CEO Tom Zelibor shared, “Kevin brings enormous creative vision, energy, and experience to take the Discovery Center to the next level of performance. As we work toward our future expansion in programming, facilities, and impact, Kevin’s leadership of the Discovery Center will transform our already established community asset into the world-class resource our Colorado Springs neighbors and the space community deserve.”
Orangers is responsible for directing the Discovery Center’s staff and volunteer corps in developing and facilitating new exhibits, field trips, public programming, and immersive laboratory experiences designed for teachers, students, and visitors of all ages. With a background in educational programming and exhibit design, he works closely with the Space Foundation leadership team in the development of new programs and exhibit experiences for the Discovery Center.
Orangers began his career with the American Museum of Natural History’s mobile educational outreach initiative — the Moveable Museum — and has nearly 25 years of experience in strategic planning, museum facilities operations, exhibit design, program and curriculum development, and community engagement.
Prior to his start with the Space Foundation Discovery Center, he served the National Liberty Museum on its executive team as Vice President of Programs & Operations from 2008–2019, directing all National Liberty Museum (NLM) daily facilities operations and programming. He was responsible for spearheading the NLM’s signature educational initiative called the Young Heroes Outreach Program, an innovative civics and character leadership program currently in year-long residencies in Philadelphia, Penn., and regional schools.
Additionally, he launched and facilitated a one-of-a-kind professional development suite of museum-based programming that focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion training, as well as leadership-development and teambuilding programs for corporate, nonprofit, and higher-learning clients.
Orangers continues to derive passion for this work from his diverse experience with science and history museums that merge both “high-tech” and more traditional design elements, and immersive programming that engages the head, heart, and hands. Orangers earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Rutgers University in 1994.
“The Space Foundation Discovery Center provides a unique opportunity for our visitors to explore the history of why we explore space through the objects and technology that are on display in our gallery, while at the same time, immerse themselves in the science of space in one of our interactive lab experiences including Science On a Sphere® or the Mars Robotics Lab. I can think of no better place in Colorado Springs for families to engage their senses, pique their curiosity, and leave inspired about the importance of space in our lives. I’m incredibly proud and honored to work with Space Foundation Discovery Center’s creative and dedicated staff and volunteer corps that continue to shape the future of this remarkable space science center.”
Learn more about the Space Foundation Discovery Center by visiting https://www.discoverspace.org/
About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. It is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere®, and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office, as well as field representatives in Houston and on the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space Certification™ and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both websites — www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org — and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
