FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2018
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Congratulates Dr.Ellen Stofan
on Appointment as National Air & Space Museum Director
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (Coalition) congratulates Dr. Ellen Stofan, a member of its Board of Advisors, on her appointment as the new Director of the National Air and Space Museum. Stofan previously served as the Chief Scientist at NASA from 2013-2016 and has worked on a range of NASA space science programs with a focus on planetary geology and has been a strong voice advocating for both human space exploration and space science. She will be the first woman to lead the museum and follows Gen. Jack Dailey who led the museum for 18 years as the longest-serving director.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, and the entire membership of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, I want to congratulate Dr. Stofan on her appointment to lead the world’s most distinguished museum on space exploration,” said Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, President and CEO of the Coalition. “With 8.6 million visitors in 2017, the National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world. It was no coincidence that the Vice President selected the National Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center as the site for the first National Space Council meeting. We are grateful for Ellen’s contributions on our Board of Advisors and are confident that under her leadership, the museum will continue to connect visitors from around the country and the world with America’s – and the world’s – past, present and future in space exploration and science.”
The Coalition is proud that many of its member companies built the aircraft and spacecraft featured in the Museum, including many of the most visited space artifacts at its Washington, D.C. and Dulles, VA locations. Coalition members are also leading financial contributors to the museum facilities, exhibits and its education and outreach programs. The National Air and Space Museum is a world leader in STEM education, sponsoring programs for students of all ages.
For more information on the Museum, and on Dr. Stofan’s appointment, please visit https://airandspace.si.edu.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 70 space industry businesses and advocacy groups focused on ensuring the United States remains a leader in space, science and technology. Based in Washington D.C., the Coalition engages in outreach and education reinforcing the value and benefits of human space exploration and space science with the public and our nation’s leaders, building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic direction for our nation’s space program.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Lauren Quesada – Griffin Communications Group
(832) 864-7224; Lauren@GriffinCG.com