Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Welcomes New Education Leadership
Dr. Jessica Chavez appointed Griffin MSI's first Chief Learning and Community Partnerships Officer
CHICAGO (MAY 18, 2023) — The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) has named Dr. Jessica Chavez as its first Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee Vice President of Education and Chief Learning and Community Partnership Officer. In this role, Dr. Chavez will lead the Museum's Education division and the Partnerships and Community Engagement team to build and expand on Griffin MSI's commitment to create authentic and meaningful relationships throughout Chicagoland and beyond. Her role will be pivotal in advancing Griffin MSI's core goals, including growing the reach and impact of science education programs and supporting students and educators across Illinois in their STEM education.
"Dr. Chavez is a respected science education trailblazer," said Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of Griffin MSI. "Her experience and insights are a resource every learner will benefit from - no matter the age. We are excited to bring her on board and have our education programs soar to new heights under her leadership."
A tenured leader, Dr. Chavez has spent the last two and a half years at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas where she expanded learning initiatives to the Dallas community, ensuring alignment in support of K-12 education, and creating pipeline programming for college and career readiness. She was also instrumental in helping the museum bounce back from the pandemic.
Prior to her time in Dallas, she was a longstanding leader at Arizona Science Center. As the first Vice President of Innovative Learning Strategies at the Science Center, she leveraged her background of formal education and applied it to nonprofit, informal learning and donor and corporate partnership opportunities.
"I'm thrilled to join the incredible team at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. They work every day to inspire learning in every guest that walks through their doors, and every participant of their education programs," said Dr. Chavez. "I hope to help build on the Museum's amazing work in the city of Chicago and beyond."
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About the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum’s mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs—for students, administrators, teachers and families—that make a difference in local communities and contribute to Griffin MSI’s goal to transform and illuminate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of its generous donors and guests, who make its work possible. Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.