Executive Team

Bert Vescolani
President and CEO

Bert Vescolani is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Louis Science Center. For the past six years, Vescolani has served as the director of the John Ball Zoological Gardens in Grand Rapids, Mich. The 103-acre zoo and park hosts more than 400,000 guests each year and is one of the most attended cultural attractions in the state of Michigan. During his tenure, attendance grew while world-class educational programs educated zoo visitors about animals from around the globe. More than 75% of all exhibits received renovations and several new exhibits were added. Additionally, local conservation programs and education programs and participation were expanded. Prior to the John Ball Zoological Gardens, Vescolani served as a senior vice president at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Ill. from 1991 until 2005.

Carol J. Valenta
Chief Scientific Officer

Carol J. Valenta is responsible for content and mission based activities, including exhibit design and development, research and evaluation, science and galleries, public programs, collections, the public understanding of science and regional partnerships. She directs planning and implementation for two major elements of the Science Center’s three-pronged strategic plan: the 21st Century Museum and the Center for Science. On a national level, she leads the efforts of the Science Beyond the Boundaries Network with more than 120 like institutions, serves on the Board of the Association of Science Technology Centers and as a reviewer for national museum accreditation.

Before joining the Science Center in 1996, Valenta served as the Director of Education at the California Museum of Science and Industry. While in this position, she developed and received funding for a number of major initiatives that received national attention. She served as the site director for the Career Access Program, My Place, and “Project Endeavor,” all multi-million dollar projects designed to engage underserved communities in accessing science.

Prior to her work at CMSI, Valenta served as an elementary teacher and school principal in the Los Angeles Unified School District and directed the District’s eight science centers. During her tenure with LAUSD, she developed initiatives in science and math curriculum, teacher professional development and models for multicultural education. She was recognized for her innovative educational programs, community involvement, bilingual initiatives and work with children’s television.

In addition, Valenta is recognized as a leader in formal and informal science education and has made contributions as a consultant, keynote speaker, program reviewer and author. For Harcourt Publishers Inc., she has been a lead author in the areas of physics, chemistry and mathematics beginning with Science Anytime! in 1995 to the present.

Valenta received her Masters in School Administration from California Lutheran College and her Bachelors of Arts from the University of California – Los Angeles.

Diane Miller
Chief Educational Outreach Officer

Diane Miller is the Senior Vice President of School and Community Programs and Partnerships at the Saint Louis Science Center. Her overall responsibilities include initiating, developing, coordinating, and implementing METS programs and collaborative projects with schools community-based organizations, underserved audiences, interns, and youth. Working with schools and community-based organizations, she is responsible to develop strategies that increase the involvement of underserved audiences.

Miller was the project director and program developer for two YouthALIVE! grants, one for the California Science Center (formerly the California Museum of Science and Industry) and one for the Saint Louis Science Center. She was a member of the YouthALIVE! steering committee and responsible for co-planning and co-facilitating national network meeting. A main focus of her job is the development of a comprehensive curriculum that nurtures interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

Miller holds a BA in English from the California State University at Chico and is currently pursuing a Masters in Museum Studies at the University of Missouri - St Louis.

G. Patrick Williams
Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

G. Patrick Williams is responsible for development activities at the Saint Louis Science Center. Williams has more than 33 years of professional experience in the fund development/advancement field. His experience includes positions as Finance/Fund Raising Director with the Boy Scouts of America, Vice President and Senior Consultant with Metaplex Corporation, Vice President and Senior Consultant with F.G.A. & Associates, Inc., Vice President of Public Information, Development, Marketing/Communications and Operations for MCOSS, CEO of the MCOSS Foundation, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Lourdes College and President/CEO of the Lourdes College Foundation, Vice Chancellor for University Relations for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Chief Executive Officer for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation.

As an Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE), Mr. Williams has extensive knowledge in all areas and disciplines of development/advancement. His experience and education has created special expertise in the areas of strategic planning, policy formulation, board and staff recruitment, development and team building efforts, deferred giving, capital and major gift programs, governmental relations, economic development programs, constituent relations programs and integrated marketing and communication programs.

Williams holds a B.A. from Kings College in Wilkes Barre, PA and a Master of Science degree in Health and Human Service Administration with a concentration in Gerontological Services from College Misericordia in Dallas, PA.

Barbara Boyle
Chief Operating Officer (Acting) and Chief Financial Officer

Barbara Boyle is Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the Saint Louis Science Center. In this role she supervises all aspects of the Financial and Information Systems Administrator functions.

Boyle heads the Science Center's Finance and Audit committee of the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for the preparation of the annual audited financial statements and the annual operating budget. She also oversees the Science Center's compliance with AICPA standards and all related laws and the financial integrity of all applicable commitments.

Most recently, Boyle was the Director of Finance / HR – Eastern Region and Interim Chief Financial Officer at Boys & Girls Town / Edgewood Children’s Center. In addition to nonprofit experience, Boyle has more than 20 years experience in investment banking with A.G. Edwards, including more than 10 years as Managing Director – Investment Banking in the Capital Markets Division.

A graduate of the Olin School of Business at Washington University, Boyle started her career as an auditor and financial consultant with Deloitte & Touche.

Management Team

Marti Cortez - Managing Director, Visitor Experience

Deborah Washington - Managing Director, Staff Relations

John G. Wharton - Managing Director, Facilities

Al Wiman - Managing Director, Community Engagement

Board of Commissioners

Board of Trustees