Space Foundation Announces a Retirement, Promotions and Organizational Changes

A number of organizational changes will take place at the Space Foundation in the coming weeks, including a retirement, promotions and expansion of responsibilities.

Retiring after 27 years with the Space Foundation is President Charles P. “Chuck” Zimkas, Jr. (pictured top). His retirement is effective July 1, 2013. Vice President – Operations Art Ratkewicz will assume many of the duties performed by Zimkas.

Vice President – Marketing & Communications Janet P. Stevens, who has been with the Space Foundation since 2009, will be leaving the organization, effective May 10, 2013.

Kevin C. Cook (pictured lower) has been named Vice President – Marketing & Communications, effective immediately. Formerly Director – Space Awareness Programs, Cook has led the Space Foundation’s Space Technology Hall of Fame and Space Certification programs. Prior to joining the Space Foundation in 2003, Cook had a distinguished marketing career, leading major public relations, advertising and marketing agencies in Los Angeles, Seattle and Honolulu.

Other promotions and changes in responsibility, effective May 1, 2013, include:

• Carol Hively, from Manager – Communications to Director – Public Relations & Team Communications
• Iain B. Probert from Vice President – Education to Vice President – Education & Discovery, heading education programs and the Space Foundation Discovery Center, open to the public at its world headquarters in Colorado Springs
• Rhonda Truett, from National Sales Manager to Director – Global Sales & Certification.
• Kathleen Vinson, from Vice President – Human Resources to Vice President – Human Resources & Administration

See information about Space Foundation leadership, programs and activities at www.SpaceFoundation.org.

This article is part of Space Watch: May 2013 (Volume: 12, Issue: 5).