Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors of The Balloon Explorium, a nonprofit organization in Albuquerque, New Mexico dedicated to hands-on STEM education, ballooning history, and community outreach. Learn more about our mission on the About The Balloon Explorium page or contact The Balloon Explorium to get involved.
Board Leadership (2026)
- President - Bill Taylor
- Vice President - Gary Boyd
- Secretary - Lydia Gallegos
- Executive Director - Karen Brown
- Development Director - Neida Courtney
Board Members
- Maria Armijo
- Lena Bates
- Melissa Bond
- Rosanne Eaken
- Kris Mascone
- Larry Merry
- Nancy Oakes
- Chuck Raskob
How the Board Supports Our Mission
The Board of Directors helps guide The Balloon Explorium’s nonprofit mission through governance, strategic planning, stewardship, and community leadership. Board members support programs that connect ballooning with science, engineering, weather, exploration, and creativity, helping students and families experience STEM learning in a memorable and hands-on way.
STEM Education and Community Impact
The Balloon Explorium uses ballooning as a gateway to curiosity and discovery. Through educational outreach, public engagement, and partnerships with community organizations, the board helps expand access to STEM learning opportunities across Albuquerque and beyond. This work supports students, educators, and families who want inspiring ways to explore physics, flight, weather, and invention.
Focus Areas
The board’s work often centers on program quality, volunteer engagement, fundraising, sustainability, educational access, and long-term growth. Board leadership also helps strengthen relationships with schools, museums, supporters, and local partners so The Balloon Explorium can continue bringing balloon-based learning experiences to the community.
Get Involved
Interested in volunteering, partnering, sponsoring a program, or exploring board service? Contact The Balloon Explorium and tell us how you would like to support hands-on STEM learning through ballooning.
You can also explore Balloon Explorium STEM resources, review our educational materials, or learn more about our story through the Ballooning History section.