The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization the Astronomy Foundation, which has had a quiet year of hibernation while acquiring its nonprofit tax status, is reawakening in a big way. The group is the first astronomy industry association and is dedicated to astronomy outreach, to bringing a love of the universe to millions of new people through outreach, education, and technology. The foundation has taken an important step forward by appointing Steve Cullen, a highly respected technology executive and astronomy enthusiast, to head up the foundation’s daily activities with the new title of executive director.
As such, Cullen, a resident of the Big Island of Hawaii, will lay out an agenda for the Astronomy Foundation’s future activities in promoting the astronomy hobby, in conjunction with the foundation’s officers and board of directors. “I’m really excited to take on this challenging opportunity with an organization that will lead the way in getting folks around the world interested in astronomy, especially young minds,” said Cullen.
Cullen is presently founder of Kohala Ventures, an organization that provides seed/angel round capital, strategic counseling, and mentorship for early-stage technology companies. Throughout his career, he has held senior executive, product management, and marketing roles with Symantec, Jumpshot, Avast Software, and Concur Technologies. He was also the founder of LightBuckets, the remote observatory company that rented telescope time to citizen scientists, astrophotographers, and university researchers from its locations in Rodeo, New Mexico, and Pingelly, Western Australia.
“The Astronomy Foundation looks forward to a new and exciting era of activities with Steve’s leadership and guidance,” said David Eicher, the group’s president, and editor of Astronomy magazine. The foundation’s officers also include Vice President Karen Jennings, Secretary Scott Kardel, and Treasurer Richard Hedrick. Also on the group’s board of directors are Vic Maris, Mike Reynolds, and Craig Weatherwax.
Stay tuned for more news from the Astronomy Foundation in the coming days.