MAPS relies on a network of volunteer committees to advance our mission, guide programming, and support members across the region.
From welcoming new colleagues and preserving our history to ensuring fair elections and delivering high-quality educational events, each committee focuses on a vital aspect of our society. Together, they keep MAPS running smoothly and help us inspire planetarium professionals at every level.
Awards Committee
Chairperson:
Dr. Carlos Miranda
Members:
Kerri Kiker
Brian Koehler
A MAPS member can nominate another member or herself/himself for an award by completing the Award Nomination Form and submitting the form to the MAPS Awards Committee Chair. After review by the MAPS Board, those nominees completing the requirements will be given the award at the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society Annual Conference.
Visit our Awards Pages (Fellow Award, Distinguished Service Award, Exceptional Service Award, Award of Recognition) to access criteria & nomination forms and to view past award recipients.
Constitution Review Committee
Chairperson:
Mark Percy
Members:
James Baumann
Jordan Ecker
The Constitution Review Committee advises the President as to the constitutionality of policies, procedures, motions, and proposed amendments, plus periodically update the MAPS Constitution and By-Laws.
Education Committee
Chairperson:
Lee Ann Hennig
Members:
Francine Jackson
Susan Button
Mark Percy
April Whitt
Patty Seaton
The Education Committee is the mainstay of our organization, championing educational excellence.
Education is an overriding goal of all planetarium presentations. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, it ensures our shows and outreach inspire wonder and deepen understanding across the Mid-Atlantic.
Elections Committee
Chairperson:
Kevin Williams
Members:
Shawn Laatsch
Elliot Severn
JT Towne
The Elections Committee ensures fair, transparent leadership selection for MAPS. Its duties—outlined in the Society’s By-Laws—include soliciting nominations, preparing and distributing ballots, and tallying results. By upholding rigorous procedures and encouraging broad member participation, the committee safeguards the integrity and inclusivity of our election process.
History Committee
Chairperson:
John T. Meader
Members:
Paul Krupinski
Steve Russo
Sam Storch
The History Committee is responsible for maintaining complete copies of all organizational documents and developing a digital library and archive of paperwork, photographs, and other historical materials. It provides requested items to the Website Committee for posting, organizes occasional conference programs that showcase photos and memorabilia from past events, and works closely with members to collect, preserve, and retrieve contributions for the archive.
Membership Committee
Chairperson:
Mike Francis
Members:
Noreen Grice
Tony Kilgore
Carrie Cruz
Erin Bennett
James Bauman
The Membership Committee of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society is responsible for growing, welcoming, and retaining our community of planetarium professionals. It oversees the application and renewal processes, maintains the membership database, and develops engagement initiatives and benefits to ensure every member feels connected and supported. By coordinating outreach and responding to member needs, this committee helps MAPS remain a vibrant, inclusive organization across the region.
Memorial Committee
Chairperson:
Paul Krupinski
Members:
Tim Collins
The Memorial Committee is responsible for communicating with the membership regarding when our esteemed colleagues and friends pass away.
Program Committee
Chairperson:
Tony Kilgore
Members:
Mike Francis (Treasurer)
Lee Ann Hennig (Chair of Education Committee)
Brian Koehler (upcoming conference host)
Shawn Laatsch (prior conference host)
Patty Seaton
April Whitt
The Program Committee facilitates upcoming conference events with the next conference host.
Publications Committee
Chairperson:
Brian Koehler
Members:
Mike Francis
Francine Jackson
Elliot Severn
Jim Stepp
April Whitt
The Publications Committee publishes and distributes the Constellation, the organization’s quarterly newsletter.
Submission Information:
We ALWAYS welcome articles and advertisements from the Planetarium community! When submitting content, please send separate “plain text” and image files please do not submit articles and images as PDF files please do not embed images into documents.
Deadlines
Fall 2024 – Friday, September 6, 2024
Winter 2024 – Friday, December 6, 2024
Spring 2025 – Friday, March 7, 2025
Summer 2025 – Friday, June 6, 2025
Fall 2025 – Friday, September 5, 2025
Winter 2025 – Friday, December 5, 2025
Website Committee
Chairperson:
Tim Collins
Members:
Mike Francis
Brian Koehler
Kevin Kopchynski
Paul Krupinski
The Website Committee maintains and updates the MAPS Planetarium website.