OAKLAND – September 30, 2015 – Oakland resident Adam Tobin has been named Chabot Space and Science Center’s executive director. This announcement comes after a four-month national search by Chabot’s Joint Powers Agency Board of Directors.
“The JPA has set a high standard for Chabot’s next leader and we have successfully achieved this goal with the selection of Adam Tobin, who has a proven track record of growing programs and funding, while engaging the community,” says Board Chair Michael Levi, PhD.
Tobin will be leading a staff of 58 full- and part-time and more than 350 volunteers to meet Chabot Space and Science Center’s mission to inspire and educate students of all ages about earth and the universe.
As Chabot’s new executive director, Tobin will be focused on deepening Chabot’s educational impact and strengthening partnerships throughout the area.
“Chabot is a local treasure, and so inspiring to many people. Yet, it has only begun to realize its potential for meaningful impact in our communities and beyond,” says Tobin. “I’m honored and excited to help write the next chapter in Chabot’s 130-plus year history.”
Tobin was previously the director of global studios at the Exploratorium, responsible for building partnerships with and providing creative services to institutions around the world. Prior to joining the Exploratorium, he was an award-winning toy inventor and founder of two educational toy development and manufacturing companies. Tobin holds a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University.
Tobin was preceded by Alexander Zwissler, who began as executive director in 2007 and left Chabot earlier this summer to pursue other interests.
About Chabot Space and Science Center (http://www.chabotspace.org)
Chabot Space and Science Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, is a 501c3 nonprofit interactive science center, located at 10000 Skyline Blvd., in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park. Founded as an observatory in 1883, today Chabot offers visitors the very latest in hands-on, interactive exhibits, displays, and planetarium shows that explore the mysteries of the universe and of life here on earth. Combined with a full program of activity-filled classes, workshops, camps, outreach programs and special events, Chabot Space & Science Center has become the Bay Area’s destination for visitors who want to discover and learn about space and earth sciences.
