August 2, 2022—Virginia Air & Space Science Center has announced that Executive Director and CEO Robert Griesmer will retire at the end of September. “My wife and I have been discussing retirement for some time now,” said Griesmer, “but there were things that needed to be completed.” The Virginia Air & Space Science Center has recently completed its multi-million-dollar capital campaign. A major matching grant from the city of Hampton supported these efforts. The campaign, which lasted longer than expected due to the global pandemic, enabled the institution to accomplish its goal of transformational change to its business model, dual branding campaigns as the Virginia Air & Space Science Center and Langley Research Visitor Center along with the introduction of 21st century exhibit experiences designed to engage the entire family. The major renovations included upgrades to its giant screen IMAX Theater plus the complete renovation of the Space Explorer and Flight Galleries and the newest addition, The SPACE, an early learners’ gallery, an incredible new children’s museum experience.
Griesmer stated, “We were determined to redouble our efforts to achieve the goal of long-term sustainability. In order to accomplish this, we had to convert this global disruption into an opportunity for excellence…and we have, mission accomplished.”
The Virginia Air & Space Science Center began its transformational journey in November 2014 under the new leadership of Griesmer, who was charged with the responsibility to bring best practices to an institution. There were several components to charting this transformation. First and foremost, the business model was revamped so as to right-size the organization, re-structure pricing mechanisms, staffing, and program activities to maximize earned revenue and increase market penetration rates. At the same time, new partnerships were cultivated with corporations and foundations in order to improve revenue support. Its mission, “inspiring the next generation of explorers,” needed to be, once again, top of mind.
In addition, Admissions, Gift and Food Service operations were important priorities. Gift shop revenue has grown substantially since 2014. It is currently in excess of $6.50 per capita, representing a position in the top 1 percent for science centers in the nation. The admission per capita sales have grown 170% to almost $20.00 at present, based on a bundling of experiences in a new price structure. Price point analysis and product bundling played a significant role in the implementation of strategic business practices.
“Donors are investors,” continued Mr. Griesmer. “They expect us to be nimble and smart when investing their support of our mission activities. We ensured the institution stayed in the black even when faced with forced closings. We could not afford to slide backwards. We just refused to allow stakeholder donations to slip away due to not making the required difficult business decisions.”
The price value proposition of the entire visitor experience was brought up to a level where the perceived value for the family experience met expectations. The Virginia Air & Space Science Center returned to its core business and mission thereby meeting the needs of its principal stakeholders. Joey Ritchie, President of the Board, stated, “The Virginia Air & Space Science Center leadership established itself as not just a provider of STEM programs, but as a leader.” A position it now enjoys in the Hampton Roads region and beyond.
The institution celebrated its 30th birthday this past April, and it continues to prove to the community that it is an essential part of the fabric of the region. A project called STEM 360, which uses a multi-setting and multi-platform system approach to enhancing STEM learning, has now been recognized in publications that are distributed around the world. Conceived by Griesmer, with research design developed by Dr. John Falk, a worldwide leader in free-choice learning, have jointly and individually published the results of the STEM 360 research conducted at The Virginia Air & Space Science Center. The staff team has worked hard and long hours to make this innovative project a source of pride for the institution. Dr. Smith, added, “The STEM 360 Project stands as an outstanding and innovative research program that will continue to deliver dividends to the Virginia Air & Space Science Center’s reputation for years to come.”
A major element of the institution’s transformation is the Space Explorer Gallery, which opened in December of 2020 and has been a tremendous success. Visitors of all ages are being engaged and inspired in space science through highly interactive, digital, and tactile exhibits. One mom wrote, “We were there for three hours, and the kids did not want to leave. The oldest child, my husband, insisted we return the next day…and we did.” Mary Sandy, Executive Director of Space Grant, and a member of the board stated, “We could not be more pleased with these kinds of endorsements.”
Due to the success of the Space Explorer Gallery, the next gallery phase opened this summer, which focuses on families and early learners. The S.P.A.C.E. (Smile, Play, Achieve, Create, and Explore), a new Early Learners Gallery, will be the newest addition to the Hampton Roads children’s museum experience. Some of the experiences include:
- Digital Airplane Studio: Where families will be able to color their planes, scan and watch as they take off of a runway, flying across a 32-foot-long screen. This experience enforces creativity and personalization.
- Dr. Christine Darden Literacy Center: Where children and families will be able to read along with a true hidden figure, Dr. Christine Darden, also a member of the board. This exhibit experience is aimed at literacy and career advancement.
- Junior Pilot Training: Where children will be able to step into the role of an actual pilot and cruise the runway. This exhibit focuses on kinesthetic motor skills and career awareness.
- Planetarium without walls: This powerful experience takes families on a remarkable and imaginative journey through space and time. The content is spectacular and focuses on space and earth sciences.
“This new space, The S.P.A.C.E., completed the capital campaign that began with the idea that parents expect value when they visit free-choice learning centers like the Virginia Air & Space Science Center. When they make those important decisions about time and money to be spent, we want the Virginia Air & Space Science Center to be at the top of their list,” Griesmer added.
“We are looking forward to continued growth and having an increased economic and educational impact on the communities we serve, and finally, now, I can retire with the feeling of success and pride in the institution I led, the community I served, and the staff that will take this institution to only greater heights of excellence,” Griesmer concluded.
Prior to joining the Virginia Air and Space Science Center, Griesmer served as President and CEO of the Children’s Museum in West Hartford, CT. Before that, Griesmer had been with The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, since prior to its opening in July 1988, where he was in charge of the construction and start-up of the institution. Overseeing the IMAX operations and programming activities, Griesmer was also in charge of all major profit centers and all cost operating units of the Aquarium.
Greismer served as a committee member with GSCA, and GSTA before that, and was a familiar face at the conferences. We thank him for his contributions to the industry and wish him and his wife, Anne, a wonderful retirement.