SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Discovery Science Center (DSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Jennifer Atkinson to the role of Vice President of Development. In her new role, Atkinson will work directly with the Center’s leadership on a variety of growth-related initiatives including fundraising campaigns surrounding the expansion of the Santa Ana campus, the new DSC Los Angeles opening, and maintaining the community support for education programs, traveling exhibits, and other daily operations.
Ms. Atkinson brings with her extensive non-profit and public sector experience. Prior to joining DSC, she held the Vice President of Development position at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Prior to Segerstrom Center, she served as executive director for the Western States Office of Development for the University of Michigan. Earlier in her career, Jennifer was responsible for fundraising and external relations for the University of California, Irvine’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering, as well as University of California, Los Angeles’ Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. Before her move to California in 1997, Atkinson held senior positions at the Colorado School of Mines Foundation, Northwestern University and the Chicago Academy of Sciences.
With a passion for applied sciences and a background that displays her enthusiasm for non-profits and education, Atkinson is well equipped to begin her role at DSC. “I am thrilled to join the team at Discovery Science Center,” says Atkinson. “This is an exciting time and I am happy to be a part of the important work happening here.”
Atkinson grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Lake Forest College, outside of Chicago. She is taking over the duties of Linda White-Peters, who has recently transitioned over to Vice President of Community Relations for Discovery Science Center.
Photo of Jennifer Atkinson, Vice President, Development
About Discovery Science Center
For over 25 years, Discovery Science Center (DSC) has been a non-profit organization that inspires and educates young minds through engaging science based programs and exhibits to create a meaningful impact on the communities they serve. With one of the largest education outreach programs in the county and an unparalleled approach at creating immersive, game-based exhibits, DSC is revolutionizing how educational content is delivered. In 2012, DSC was named one of the ten “Most Trusted Brands” in Orange County and in 2013 was awarded the National Medal of Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. DSC owns and operates the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center based in Santa Ana, California and will be opening a second facility in Los Angeles in 2014. For more information, call (714) 542-CUBE or visit www.discoverycube.org.
