HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere has announced three additions to its executive leadership team as the organization looks to expand its education programs, operations and reach.
Benjamin Suter has been named senior vice president and chief operations officer, Erica Shook will serve as vice president of education, and Kristi Arnold has been named controller.
Suter will oversee the Cosmosphere’s day-to-day operations and operational strategy. Shook will lead the organization’s education initiatives and STEAM programming for students, educators and families. Arnold will oversee financial accounting and reporting.
They join President and CEO Jim Remar and Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Claire Ludes on the executive leadership team.
Remar provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Cosmosphere, while Ludes oversees development, fundraising and strategic relationships.
Cosmosphere officials said the expanded leadership structure is designed to support the organization’s continued growth as an international science education center and space museum.
The executive team will work across departments to strengthen operations, expand educational opportunities and develop new relationships and resources to support the Cosmosphere’s long-term goals.
The Hutchinson-based organization said it also plans to continue expanding opportunities to reach audiences beyond the region while maintaining its mission of inspiring the future through space exploration.