Steven Mitch

Director, Benedum Planetarium

Oglebay Resort

Wheeling, West Virginia

Biography:

Steven began his career as a junior high science teacher in 1973.  He changed careers and joined the planetarium profession in April 1978 as the first and only director of the Benedum Planetarium at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia. 

Steven is very active in the planetarium profession as a member of GLPA since 1979, (GLPA Fellow in 1995) as a member of MAPS since 1980, and as a member of IPS since 1980, (IPS Fellow in 1992).  He has served MAPS as a Board Member from 1986 to 1989, as President-Elect, President and Past President from 1989 to 1995, and as conference host in 1986, 1990 and 1992.  He is the host for the Triple Conjunction Conference for MAPS, GLPA and SEPA in October of 2007.

Steven has served as a member of the GLPA Executive Council in 1994 and as conference host for GLPA in 1994.

Steven was a member of the IPS Executive Council from 1991 to 1994.  He was the editor of the Regional Roundup Column for the IPS journal, “The Planetarian” from 1986 to 1996.  He was appointed as the IPS Elections Committee Chairman in 1996 and continues in that capacity.

Statement:

I have over 27 years experience in the planetarium community.  During that time, I have been active in the affairs of several planetarium associations, mostly with MAPS, and have gained a great deal of motivation, knowledge, wisdom, diplomacy and patience which, I think, is very crucial and effective in a leadership position.

I have acquired a lot of practical experience and skills that are necessary for this office.  But, I have not done this on my own.  I have had the privilege of working with numerous, talented and outstanding colleagues from all over the world.  Their skills, insight, knowledge and friendship have helped me tremendously.

The planetarium professionals that make up the MAPS community are constantly striving to be the best at what they do, with what they have.  MAPS must be an organization that helps and serves the membership.  If elected, I will work with a “team” comprised of officers, board members and committee members.  Together, we will improve and strengthen the mission and goals of the organization and committees in order to better serve the needs of the membership.