The Adler Planetarium Appoints Elizabeth Babcock as President and CEO

Chicago’s Adler Planetarium recently announced the appointment of Elizabeth C. Babcock, Ph.D., as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Babcock’s appointment follows a comprehensive six-month global search led by a committee of Adler’s trustees in partnership with Russell Reynolds Associates.

“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. “Elizabeth is a non-profit 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 joins the Adler with extensive experience in a wide array of leadership roles. Most recently, she served as the Founding Director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington D.C., where she laid the groundwork for a landmark multimillion dollar campaign. Prior to her time at the Smithsonian, Babcock was President and CEO of Forever Balboa, the city of San Diego’s private partner stewarding a 1,200-acre urban park. She also held the key senior role at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco as the Chief Public Engagement Officer and Roberts-Wilson Dean of Education.

“I am honored to join the Adler Planetarium as its next President and CEO,” said Babcock. “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.”

Trustee Gerrie also praised Interim CEO, Audris Wong, “We are also deeply grateful to Audris Wong, who has provided steady leadership as Interim CEO over the past several months. Audris will return to her role as Vice President of Finance and Administration following Elizabeth’s arrival on October 6th. With such a strong leadership team and dedicated staff, the Adler is well-prepared for the exciting years ahead.”

The Adler Planetarium welcomes over half a million visitors annually and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, research, and online offerings. The Adler fosters a spirit of discovery rooted in community connection, enabling people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to explore their universe together – and return to their communities empowered to think creatively and critically about the world around them. Home to a world-class collection of historical astronomical instruments, the Adler inspires curiosity through innovative educational and research programs that make science accessible to all.

For additional information, please see adlerplanetarium.org.