posted 02-16-2007 12:45 PM               

Cosmosphere announces new President and CEO

The board of directors of the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center announced today its selection of retired CMDR. Christopher Orwoll as the next president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, effective March 5, 2007. Orwoll, is the former commanding officer, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and professor of naval science at the University of Kansas.

"Chris brings to the Cosmosphere proven leadership and experience in management, education, recruiting, fundraising and a passion for space exploration," said Cosmosphere Board Chair Tom Sellers. "He has a keen understanding of teamwork and will work in a results oriented environment. We are thrilled to have him on board."

Retired CPA and local business leader Ken Vogel has been acting as interim manager since former Cosmosphere President and CEO Jeff Ollenburger's departure in December of 2006.

From 2000-2002 Orwoll was the executive officer of the USS Dolphin, the world's deepest diving submarine. He accepted a professorship at the University of Kansas from 2003-06 where he directed personnel production and education, facilities upkeep and the administration of more than 90 Midshipmen, active duty naval personnel and their dependents.

As NROTC nationwide course coordinator, he developed curriculum and was responsible for the leadership, management and ethics education of over 3,000 students.

Orwoll holds a bachelors degree in naval architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master degree in strategic studies from the Air War College and is currently completing a masters of engineering from Cornell University.

He grew up in Downey, Calif., and has been a passive participant in the U.S. space program since its early days. His father-in-law worked on both the Apollo and space shuttle programs.

posted 03-19-2007 02:18 PM               

Trip to space museum led to finding CEO

When Navy Commander Christopher Orwoll began planning a trip for his family to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, he was intending to further his hobby. Instead, Orwoll discovered a new profession and the museum found its CEO.

posted 11-22-2011 02:08 PM               

Cosmosphere President and CEO Chris Orwoll Resigns; Operations Director Dick Hollowell Named Interim President and CEO

Chris Orwoll, President and CEO of the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, resigned his position yesterday (Nov. 21) as leader of this internationally renowned, Smithsonian-affiliated space science museum. He had been President of the organization since March 2007.

The Cosmosphere Board appointed Dick Hollowell, Cosmosphere Director of Operations, to serve as interim President and CEO. The search to replace Orwoll is slated to begin in first quarter 2012.

"Every year at the holiday season, I make it a point to take stock of myself and my family, and assess if we're each doing what we find most fulfilling," Orwoll said. "I've enjoyed every minute of my time at the Cosmosphere, but I really want to spend more time with my family and be part of the family pursuits I'm passionate about. I have nine children, and being a parent is the most important job I'll ever have.

"It's been a thrill to lead this organization and I can't begin to express my thanks to the staff, volunteers, donors and Board Members who have supported our mission of honoring the past and inspiring the future of space exploration." Orwoll continued. "I am personally honored to have been a part of this organization. I'm eternally grateful for the many friendships I've made with the astronauts and space pioneers who made it possible for the rest of us to explore the fascinating worlds beyond Earth."

Steve Martens, Chairman of the Cosmosphere Board, thanked Orwoll for his service and dedication to the organization, saying, "We sincerely appreciate Chris' leadership and guidance over the past years. His efforts to expand the role of Space Works as a space artifact restoration center and exhibit fabricator, coupled with his efforts to expand the Cosmosphere's interactive exhibits, have put us on the path to creating an even stronger organization."

"On behalf of the [Kansas] Cosmosphere board, we want to make it clear there are no extenuating circumstances associated with Orwoll's departure," Martens said. "Every non-profit museum has felt pressure in this economy, and the Cosmosphere is no different. In spite of this rocky economic environment, Chris [Orwoll's] contributions to the Cosmosphere have been many, including:

• Design and installation of the Space Gallery at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore.
  
• Collaboration with the John Nurminen Group, LLC, to present the blockbuster exhibit, "NASA: A Human Adventure," which opened in Stockholm in January and is moving to Madrid in December.
  
• The 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 13 Mission, featuring Apollo 13 astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Mission Control Flight Director Gene Kranz.
  
• The opening of two new galleries in 2011: "Investigate Space: Our Universe," which opened in April and was awarded the Mountain Plains Museum Association Leadership and Innovation Award; and "Investigate Space: The Astronaut Experience."
  
• "Living In Space," a live space science program touring more than 300 schools across the U.S. in 2011-2012.

"As one chapter closes for the Cosmosphere, another begins, and we are extremely pleased that Dick Hollowell has graciously accepted our offer to serve as Interim President and CEO," Martens said.

Hollowell, a South Hutchinson native, was president of Hutchinson based Kanox for 25 years, before its purchase by Airgas, Inc., in 2005. Hollowell continued with Airgas as a consultant for two years, before taking a position as vice president of operations for Denver Drywall Company, one of Colorado's oldest commercial drywall contractors.

Since joining the Cosmosphere in July 2011, Hollowell has overseen the full spectrum of operations from the front desk, gift shop and IMAX Theater to the curatorial functions, information technology and Space Works restoration division.

"People at the Cosmosphere are very dedicated, and I find that refreshing," Hollowell said. "The scope of an entire museum, from front desk to back-of-the-house operations and collections make for many dynamic opportunities. With the staff, volunteers, members, camp attendees and donors we have, there is a love for this organization that you don't find in most settings."