Mr. Griesmer is the former Executive Director and CEO of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center.  Beginning in 2014, he led a highly successful process to rebuild its brand as the NASA Langley Research Visitor Center.  Key to the strategic execution and transformation were changes to its business model as well as the guest experience consistent with 21st century audience expectations.   As a result, the institution was repositioned for long term growth by virtue of its improved market penetration rates, revenue and profit margins, and brand awareness.  Mr. Griesmer built its nationally recognized reputation for STEM research and programing providing the foundation to its claim as a leading science center. Under his leadership, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center has become known as not just a nice place, but an essential place; not just a provider, but a leader and innovator of STEM research and education.  

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He was the principal investigator for the STEM 360: Multi-Setting, Multi-platform STEM Education Engagement Program and Research Study. The full Phase I and 2 reports are available on the Center’s website, www.vasc.org/STEM360    

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Highlighting national achievements in aviation and space exploration while stimulating an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), the center is the NASA Langley Visitor Center and a private nonprofit 501(3)c corporation.  www.vasc.org     

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Its ground breaking designated children’s museum, “S.P.A.C.E.”, acronym for (Smile, Play, Achieve, Create and Explore), achieved its design objectives to foster parent/child engagement.   This unique exhibit hall complemented the new Space Gallery whose hands on interactives provided families the opportunities to, inter alia, drive rovers and build communities on Mars, build their own black holes, and come face to face with the surface of our sun. 

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Prior to his tenure at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, as President/CEO of The Children's Museum of West Hartford, CT he orchestrated a strategic turnaround reestablishing the financial sustainability of that organization. This facility serves as a regional children’s educational resource whose outreach and programmatic experiences incorporated a planetarium, hands on science exhibits, a wildlife sanctuary, 150 acre nature preserve with five miles of walking trails and one of the oldest pre-schools in the nation. While at The Children’s Museum, Mr. Griesmer served as Executive Producer of the NASA funded animated planetarium show, “From the Blue Planet to the Red Planet” which is currently in national distribution. 

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Mr. Griesmer began his career in the science center world in 1987 when he was tapped to oversee the construction and start-up of The Maritime Aquarium, Connecticut’s second largest tourist attraction.  Having held many positions and responsibilities over the years, he rose to the position of COO of this institution.  During his tenure, he oversaw and contributed to the successful strategic initiatives to operations and administration, finance, exhibit design and fabrication, IMAX, fund raising development and marketing.  His efforts significantly impacted attendance growth and brand awareness.  As a result, The Maritime Aquarium continues to be a leading tourist attraction and STEM center of excellence in the State of Connecticut.  

 

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