Date: Mar 11, 2022
Contact: Natalie Zurek nataliez@adirondackskycenter.org

Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory Names New Board Leadership

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that it has named Seth McGowan as its new Board President effective March 2022. Seth's lifelong interest in astronomy led him to become involved with the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory in 2012. Seth, being an energetic community member and educational trailblazer, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for positive change within the local communities.

“The entire world is undergoing renewed interest in space exploration and understanding the Universe. The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory will be a leader in bringing high quality programs to visitors of all ages, and open the door for scientists of the future,” said Seth McGowan.

“Our board is thrilled to introduce a leader of Seth’s caliber to guide the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory into the future,” said Board Treasurer, Mark Moeller. “Seth possesses the qualifications and expertise to grow the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory into an even greater, more successful, organization that will have a lasting impact on our area.”

Seth is a recently retired Superintendent of Tupper Lake Schools. He began his career in 1987, and joined the Tupper Lake Central School District in 1990, where he held a number of positions including music teacher, computer technology coordinator, LP Quinn Elementary School Principal, Middle/High School Principal, and served as the Superintendent of Schools from 2008 until his retirement in 2020. Seth also serves on the board of AdkAction, and is a member of several community-based organizations.

Seth succeeds Carol Levy who retired earlier this year after serving as President for over 15 years. Carol was key in the construction of the existing Roll Off Roof Observatory and is an enthusiastic leader, inspiring the next generation of scientists. A recognition of Carol’s contributions to the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory will follow this announcement.

In addition to the appointment of Seth McGowan as President, and as part of its annual organizational process, the Board of Trustees also appointed the following Executive Committee Members:

• Vice President: Al Crispo - Professor of Technology Leadership & Innovation, College of Technology Purdue University
• Secretary: Sandie Strader - Former Mayor Village of Tupper Lake, Town of Tupper Lake Town Administrator.
• Treasurer: Mark Moeller - Retired banking and insurance executive. Retired Army officer.
• At Large Member: David Aguilar - Naturalist, astronomer, author, and artist, and past Director of Science Information at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

About Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory

The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory inspires people to discover and explore the “Wilderness Above” through curiosity, observation, and scientific investigation. The Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory is in a period of expansion beyond the Roll Off Roof Observatory. Their plan includes the construction of multifaceted facilities to create a comprehensive experience for visitors of all ages.

To learn more, visit adirondackskycenter.org or contact info@adirondackskycenter.org. (518) 359-3538.