The Adler Planetarium announced Wednesday the appointment of Elizabeth C. Babcock, who previously worked at the Field Museum, as its next president and chief executive officer.
“I am honored to join the Adler Planetarium as its next president and CEO,” Babcock said in a statement. “This is an extraordinary moment to lead an historic institution, one that inspires us with daily discoveries about the cosmos and the universe we inhabit together. I aim to build upon the Adler’s exceptional record in space science education, community engagement, and collaboration as we prepare to celebrate our centennial in 2030, and beyond.”
Babcock held several leadership positions at the Field Museum from 2002 to 2010, including vice president of education and library collections, according to her LinkedIn profile. After the Field, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she served as chief public engagement officer and Roberts-Wilson dean of education at the California Academy of Sciences where she directed the Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization Studio. She was also the founding director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C.
“On behalf of the Board, it is my pleasure to welcome Elizabeth back to Chicago to lead the Adler,” said Nancy Gerrie, chair of the Board of Trustees, which unanimously approved the appointment. “Elizabeth is a nonprofit leader of national distinction, an accomplished fundraiser, and a dedicated scientific educator. We are confident her expertise and vision will profoundly shape the Adler’s future. I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the Adler in our community under her leadership.”
Babcock has bachelor’s degrees in music education and psychology from Northwestern University and a master’s degree and a doctorate in anthropology, both from Indiana University Bloomington.
Babcock steps into the role vacated by Michelle Larson, who left the planetarium to take a new role as president of Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. Audris Wong, vice president of finance and administration, is filling in as interim CEO until Babcock officially takes over on Oct. 6.
