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Chabot Space & Science Center Announces Alexandra Barnett as New Executive Director

10 January 2003 — (Oakland, CA) After an extensive worldwide search, Chabot Space & Science Center has announced the appointment of Alexandra "Alex" Barnett as its new Executive Director. Barnett is the author of Black Holes and Other Space Oddities and served as the Business Development Director at the National Space Center in Leicester, England. Barnett also supervised the installation of the first Challenger Learning Center outside of the United States. 

Barnett will become the second woman to head a major space and science center in the United States. One of her first projects will be to oversee the opening of the 36" telescope this spring, which will be the largest telescope regularly open to the general public in the United States. 

"I'm very pleased to have been given the opportunity to inherit a facility with outstanding educational and public outreach programs," stated Barnett. "I am looking forward to building on the existing foundation at Chabot to ensure that we capture and inspire minds for many years to come.

Barnett was the unanimous selection of the Chabot Board of Directors from a pool of 162 applicants from across the globe. "Alex Barnett brings a clear vision, business savvy, creativity and energy to Chabot," stated Board Chair Dr. Glen Dahlbacka. "Her appointment helps us fully realize our goal of becoming a world class educational and entertainment facility." 

Barnett replaces Dr. Mike Reynolds, who is now in the role of Chabot Foundation President and is focusing on a major new exhibit, expected to travel nationally. "I am pleased that Alex Barnett will be taking over the operational reins at Chabot. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I look forward to the energy that she will bring to the Science Center, as well as working with her on a daily basis."

Chabot Space & Science Center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd. in Oakland’s Joaquin Miller Park. Open Tuesday–Sunday. General admission to Chabot's galleries is $8.00 adults / $5.50 seniors and children (with an additional charge for Planetarium and Theater shows). Children under 3 are admitted free. Students with ID receive a $1.00 discount. General admission to the galleries is FREE on the first Wednesday of each month (with an additional charge for Planetarium and Theater shows). Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by calling (510) 336-7373. Advance tickets are available online at www.ticketweb.com or by phone at (866) 468-3399.

For more information, call (510) 336-7300, or visit www.chabotspace.org

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