Board of Trustees
At the Adler, our vision is to connect people, communities, and institutions to one another through the wonder of space science so we can explore our universe together and use our collective knowledge and skills to create a better world for everyone.
Our museum is supported by governing leadership that demonstrates dedication to this vision, supports scientific research and exploration, and values our ongoing commitment to connecting people to the universe and each other.
The Adler Planetarium Board of Trustees is a diverse team of corporate, philanthropic, civic, and academic leaders who help the Adler fulfill its role as one of the world’s leading science education and space exploration institutions. As members of the museum’s governing body, Trustees set and oversee Adler plans and policies, serve as ambassadors to the larger community, secure support for programs, and are primary stewards of the Adler’s finances and museum collections.
Officers And Trustees
Kecia Steelman, Chair
Nancy S. Gerrie, Vice Chair
Aaron C. Rudberg, Vice Chair
Daniel T. Mueller, Secretary
Jonathan H. Herbst, Treasurer
Michelle B. Larson, PhD, President and CEO
Cynthia L. Ballew
Russell F. Bartmes
Raj Bhatia
Neil Book
Liam Caffrey
David A. Crown, PhD
Daniel R. Eder
John W. Estey
Lilly Farahnakian
Tacy Flint
Ryan Garino
Muhammad Gigani
William J. Gruber
Amelia Huntington
Seth E. Jacobson
Linda P. Jojo
Catherine Kenworthy
Peter J. Langas
Lisa H. Lewis
Steven S. Louis, MD
Betsy McKenna
Michael J. McMurray
Maryann N. McNally
James C. Murray
Randy Nornes
James J. O’Connor, Jr.
Jackson Pallas
Ian C. Radomski
Chris Rauch
Brad Serlin
Brooke Graydon Slade
Scott C. Swanson
Linda I. Celesia
Donald C. Clark, Jr.
Frank M. Clark
Bryan C. Cressey
J. Douglas Donenfeld
Michel J. Feldman
David W. Fox, Sr.
Nancy Emrich Freeman
Howard S. Goss
Raj P. Gupta, PE
Captain James A. Lovell, Jr.
David Mintzer, PhD
Edward J. Williams
John E. Carlstrom, PhD
The University of Chicago
Rosa Escareño
Chicago Park District
Wendy L. Freedman, PhD
The University of Chicago
Michelle B. Larson, PhD
President and CEO, Adler Planetarium
Ashley Hemphill Netzky
Chicago Park District
Sean B. Reynolds
Northwestern University
Linda P. Jojo, 2020–2023
Pradip K. Patiath, 2017–2020
Scott C. Swanson, 2014–2017
Joseph T. Lower, 2014
John W. Estey, 2011–2014
Bryan C. Cressey, 2008–2011
Frank M. Clark, 2005–2008
Donald C. Clark, Jr., 2002-2005
Howard S. Goss, 2000–2002
J. Douglas Donenfeld, 1991–2000
Jerry E. Dempsey, 1988–1991
Roderick S. Webster, 1985–1988
James J. Brice, 1981–1985
Kenneth Nebenzahl, 1978–1981
Harold Byron Smith, Jr., 1975–1978
Emory Williams, 1971–1975
Hermon Dunlap Smith, 1968–1971
