ABOUT US

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Craig Niemi, Executive Director

I was introduced to astronomy by my grandfather when I was just knee-high to his telescope. I still remember that remarkable view of Jupiter. My wife Valerie and I joined the Observatory nearly 10 years ago and became active with the Friends of Observatory as board members and history presenters. It's been a privilege to work with so many who are committed to the mission of the Observatory. .
craig@cincinnatiobservatory.org

Dean Regas, Outreach Astronomer, Assistant Director

The stars captured me in 1998 while working at Cincinnati's Wolff Planetarium in Burnet Woods. It was there that I discovered a passion for astronomy and have since become a local expert in observational astronomy, star identification and mythology. I have written over 60 astronomy articles for the Cincinnati Enquirer and Community Press and have been featured on local television and radio. I have been the Outreach Astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000.
dean@cincinnatiobservatory.org

Lola Gabel, Executive Assistant

I have been working at the Observatory as an Executive Assistant for the past 5 years; the person sitting on the large blue ball. I love the building, the beautiful setting, enthusiastic people, and being a small part of a very exciting institution. My husband Jim & I have been married longer than I can remember, live in Anderson Township & have a daughter who is getting married in Hawaii next month. We lived in London & Brussels for over ten years and still return whenever we can.
surreygobs@hotmail.com

John Ventre, Historian

My first exposure to the Cincinnati Observatory was in the late 1940s when I visited it while on a Boy Scout field trip--this trip triggered a passion for the Observatory that never ended. I taught astronomy at the University of Cincinnati, I served as the Cincinnati Observatory Center's (COC's) first administrator/director, and I am currently helping to restore the COC to a working 19th Century astronomical observatory. I am also the resident “Luna-tic;” everything about the Moon fascinates me and often present lectures on the subject.
jeventre@ix.netcom.com

Lyn Marsteller, Development Coordinator

The stars have always been part of my life - and my name. Growing up just outside Washington, DC, I badgered my parents to take me to see John Glenn's ticker tape parade after his historic ride around the earth. Years later, I moved to Ohio and ultimately next to the Observatory, where I was happy to be part of the volunteer group that helped to establish the COC as a nonprofit.  With almost 30 years of fundraising experience, I'm very pleased to be part of the team to help keep memberships and donations coming to the COC to improve the facilities and setting, and to add more fine programming. lyn@cincinnatiobservatory.org

Leo Sack, Outreach Educator

As a child, growing up here in Cincinnati, I held a passion for all of the natural sciences - except astronomy! Though I always enjoyed seeing the stars, I had few experiences that truly made space "real" for me. It was not until 2008, while teaching as a naturalist at Trailside Nature Center, home of the Wolff Planetarium, that I was finally introduced to the wonders of the stars. I joined the Observatory's staff in August 2010 - which makes me the new guy! - and I am thrilled to be part of such an exciting organization. I bring with me 7 years' experience in non-formal science education, and a passion for making astronomy education engaging and inspiring for all ages.

leo@cincinnatiobservatory.org

Dr. Mike Flick (May 2012) – President
Xavier University, XCEED

Dr. J. Richard Hirté (May 2014) - Vice President
Xavier University 

Bill Ernst (May 2013) – Treasurer
Ernst & Rabe, Certified Public Accountants 

Basil Rowe (May 2014) – Secretary
IT Consultant 

Scott Gainey – FOTO Rep (Sept 2011) - Assistant Secretary

Trustees:

Paul Callard (May 2012)
Dallman & Bohl General Contractors

Jeanette Fisher (May 2013)
Retired

Greg Hand (May 2014)
Associate Vice President,
Public Relations
University of Cincinnati

Dr. Margaret Hanson (May 2012)
University of Cincinnati, Physics

Michelle Hughes
CPS Science Curriculum Manager
(on behalf of Mary Ronan)

Andy Park (May 2012)
Mt Lookout Community Council

Mary Ronan (May 2012)
Superintendent
Cincinnati Public Schools

Charlie Schiff (May 2013) –
John J. & Thomas R. Schiff & Co.

Lib Stone (May 2012)
Cincinnati Parks foundation / Retired

Dr. Dave Tobergte (May 2014)
Xavier University-XCEED