Arizona Science Center has made its next move, and it is a big one.
Tammy Stewart has officially been named the next Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona Science Center following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. After serving as Interim CEO since September 2025 and spending years inside the organization’s leadership circle, Stewart is stepping into the top role with the kind of experience that does not need a dramatic entrance. She has already been doing the work.
And this is not a small stage. Stewart now leads a $14 million operation inside a 164,000-square-foot Downtown Phoenix landmark with more than 120 employees, countless curious kids, science-loving adults, school groups, families, donors, members, sponsors, volunteers, and visitors who come through the doors looking for that little spark of wonder.
“Tammy has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision during a pivotal time for Arizona Science Center,” Board Chair Bob Miller says. “Her deep commitment to the Center’s mission, its team, and to our community has been evident from day one. We are thrilled Tammy has agreed to serve as our next Hazel A. Hare President & CEO.”
Stewart brings 25 years of experience in museum and cultural organization operations and fundraising, with a career that has moved through Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and Long Beach Symphony. Along the way, teams under her guidance have raised more than $150 million to support capital initiatives and ongoing operations.
Translation: she knows how to keep big cultural institutions not just running, but reaching.
At Arizona Science Center, Stewart has already helped shape some of the organization’s most defining chapters. She helped guide the Center through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, securing critical funding to maintain operations and support staff. She oversaw the opening of the Dorrance DOME, the immersive experience that has quickly become one of the Center’s marquee attractions. She also helped lead the return of POMPEII: The Exhibition, bringing a major crowd-pleaser back into the spotlight.
Her leadership style is less ivory tower, more open-door energy. Stewart is known for emphasizing mentorship, collaboration, and strong relationships with the people who keep the Center moving, from staff and stakeholders to donors, members, sponsors, and volunteers. Through initiatives like “Coffee with the CEO,” she has created room for conversation, peer-to-peer mentorship, and the kind of strategic thinking that turns good institutions into energized ones, according to the center.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona Science Center,” Stewart says. “This institution has an extraordinary team, a passionate community, and a mission that inspires curiosity and learning. I look forward to building on our successes and continuing to make science accessible and engaging for all.”
Stewart earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and remains active in civic and professional leadership. She is a member of Charter 100 Arizona Chapter, serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Phoenix Enhanced Municipal Services District, and holds a seat on the Giant Screen Cinema Association Leadership Committee, which supports immersive educational cinema experiences around the world.
She is also a participant in Georgetown University’s New Strategies Program and lives in Downtown Phoenix, keeping her closely connected to the community surrounding the Center.
Insider Takeaways
-
Tammy Stewart has been confirmed as Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona Science Center after a unanimous Board of Trustees vote. She has served as Interim CEO since September 2025 and has been a longtime member of the Center’s leadership team.
-
Stewart now leads a $14 million operation inside a 164,000-square-foot Downtown Phoenix facility with more than 120 employees.
-
Her 25-year career includes leadership roles at Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and Long Beach Symphony.
-
Teams under her guidance have raised more than $150 million for capital initiatives and ongoing operations.
-
Her work at Arizona Science Center includes navigating the pandemic, opening the Dorrance DOME, and helping guide the return of POMPEII: The Exhibition.
To learn more, visit azscience.org.
