Meet the Team
LEW CRAMPTON | PRESIDENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Lew Crampton currently serves at the top of the South Florida Science Museum Staff as President and CEO. He previously served as President of the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Notebaert Nature Museum, and as President and CEO of the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL. Under his leadership, the museum made an important dinosaur discovery in southeastern Montana, resulting in national press coverage, a major exhibit award from the American Association of Museums, and a Discovery Channel documentary about the find and the museum’s subsequent efforts to determine its identity. Mr. Crampton also served as Associate Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs, Vice President for Communications and Environmental Affairs at Waste Management, Inc., and Vice President for Communications at the American Medical Association.
KATE ARRIZZA | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Kate Arrizza, who serves as our Chief Operating Officer, hails from a diverse background. Kate was a previous volunteer at the Museum in the late 90’s. After receiving her Bachelors of Science from the United States Naval Academy, she served as an Officer in the U.S. Navy for six years. While in the Navy, she served overseas on the USS Carr and USS Tortuga; her specialty was education and training in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon receiving her honorable discharge from the Navy she moved back to her home state where she continues to further her career in education, most recently working to obtain her Master's Degree from Johns Hopkins University. She oversees all budgeting, scheduling, and grant review in the Education Department and also manages the Group Sales Office.
JEFF GOURDOUZE | DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES, SYSTEMS & MAINTENANCE
Jeff Gourdouze manages the daily operations of the South Florida Science Museum. Gourdouze oversees the Information Technology department as well as database administration. Gourdouze is also responsible for the maintenance and care of all exhibits, as well as the Museum’s building and grounds. A former Big Box retail manager, Gourdouze oversees the security and safety protocols of the museum and its staff, working closely with the all department to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
LILA KLIX | MANAGER OF GUEST SERVICES
Lila Klix is the Manager of Guest Services for the Museum. She brought the Museum more than a decade of experience in the Hospitality and Customer Relations field. She previously worked in the Salon & Spa industry for 10 years as the Director for Guest Experience & Human Resources. Her primary focus at the Museum is to ensure that the guests receive the highest quality of customer service, as well as experiencing all that the Museum has to offer. In addition, she also supervises the Admissions staff and Volunteer staff, and schedules and coordinates all birthday parties. She has made several improvements to the Museum during her time here, and she looks forward to helping with the continued growth and success of the Institution.
Rebecca Shearer | Aquarium Curator
Rebecca Shearer brings an extensive background in marine biology and was most recently the assistant animal trainer and performer at Sea World in Orlando. Shearer graduated from the University at Albany SUNY in Albany, NY with a Bachelor of Arts in Science Biology, Music Minor in Song Writing and Performing Arts and also was a performance major at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
Sara Bogotch | LEAD EDUCATOR
Sara Bogotch received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and her teaching license from Florida Gulf Coast University. Before the museum, Sara worked for a private science education company running science camps and education programs in local museums, schools and libraries. Currently, Sara works as the Lead Educator for the South Florida Science Museum primarily writing and implementing general science curriculum to a diverse population of students 18 months to 18 years.
Marcy Hoffman | Director of Development
Marcy is a third generation Palm Beacher, born at Good Samaritan Hospital. She received her primary education in Palm Beach at Graham Eckes and then graduated from The American University in Washington, D.C. Marcy worked as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill for United States Senator Paula Hawkins. Senator Hawkins' passion for child welfare issues led Marcy on her path to fundraising and fund development on behalf of non-profit agencies serving children, which she has been doing for more than 25 years.
kristina Holt | Director of marketing-executive assistant to the ceo
Kristina Holt is at the core nucleus of the organization and forerunner serving as the Director of Marketing, Membership and Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. She returns to the Museum after nearly twelve years since her last role as a dedicated volunteer. Previously Kristina has worked as an educator, designer and project manager for visual marketing concepts & merchandising. Utilizing these vast skills she is able to cultivate and maintain members, gain community partnerships, promote the Museum through online & direct mail advertising campaigns, and helps the department she oversees to produce & execute creative marketing materials. With a passion for teaching young children and life sciences, Kristina continues to be a strong advocate for the Museum in promoting and instilling the importance of science education within the community.
