WE'RE GOING TO THE MOON

Dr. Jimyse L. Brown | Executive Director

Dr. Jimyse L. Brown is a dedicated educator, passionate community advocate, accomplished former athlete, distinguished entrepreneur, and professional in the dynamic space industry, based in Pittsburgh, PA. With over ten years of experience in youth development, education, family engagement, and recreation & sports, she has made an indelible mark on her community and beyond.

Dr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Event Management from Shepherd University and a Master of Science in Business Management from the University of Nottingham. She furthered her education with a Doctor of Philosophy in Community Engagement from Point Park University, demonstrating her commitment to fostering connections and driving community change.

Dr. Brown body of work epitomizes collaboration. Her work with schools, organizations, and public figures has resulted in impactful programs that educate and engage youth through diverse educational, recreational, and social opportunities. In her previous role, Dr. Brown amplified student learning through unique educational opportunities and real-world experiences, connecting students with leaders from various sectors.

Dr. Brown’s profound understanding of organizational culture, partnership building, youth development, and program planning has been pivotal to her career success. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Chuck Cooper Foundation as Co-Chair of the Programming Committee, SHAPE America’s Eastern District Leadership Council, SHAPE America’s EDI community, and the Heritage Community Initiatives Board of Directors. She also actively participates in various committees within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

In her current role as Executive Director of Moonshot Museum, Dr. Brown has recently entered the space industry, breaking barriers as the first African-American Executive Director of a space museum in Pennsylvania and the first globally to lead a museum focused on career readiness for the 21st-century space industry. In her role as Executive Director Dr. Brown works to inspire a diverse community to find their place in the future of human space exploration through innovative exhibitions and programs fueled by science, technology, engineering, and the arts.

Her impact extends beyond local borders, generating significant funding for her ventures and other organizations, and collaborating with entities across the nation and globally. A sought-after speaker and inspirational figure, Dr. Brown exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the power of positive change. Her dedication to uplifting communities, empowering youth, and fostering meaningful partnerships continues to make a lasting impact both locally and internationally. Dr. Jimyse Brown’s story is a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment, now extending her influence into the space industry.

Mike Hennessy | Manager of Learning & Programs

Mike Hennessy (he/him) is Manager of Learning & Programs at the Moonshot Museum, captaining content creation and developing programs for this new educational enterprise. Hennessy spent more than 20 years crafting innovative programs at Carnegie Science Center, where he managed a steampunk science theater with a working foundry and built a fleet of ten traveling outreach programs. Most recently, Hennessy served as Buhl Planetarium & Digital Media Manager, where he directed development of live, theatric planetarium shows in partnership with NASA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. He holds a B.A. in history from Duquesne University and is a lifelong Pittsburgh native, performing locally as a jazz clarinetist.

Amy Tisdale | Manager of Operations & Visitor Services

Stephanie Carlson | Navigator

James Jamison | Moonshot Museum Navigator

James keeps astronomically busy splitting his time between Moonshot Museum as a Navigator and the Carnegie Science Center as a presenter in the Buhl Planetarium. Still, he’s a pretty down to Earth guy spending his weekends at Arcade Comedy Theater where he is a part time stage manager and all-the-time entertainer. James is an artist, a musician, a writer, and is never satisfied unless he has multiple creative irons in the fire. He is simply over the Moon to be working at some of the coolest places in Pittsburgh.