Society for Science names Gary E. Knell to its Board of Trustees

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Society for Science is pleased to announce that Gary E. Knell has joined its Board of Trustees. “I am thrilled to welcome Gary to the Board of Trustees,” said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News Media Group. “As a leader in purpose-driven media for over four decades, Gary brings to our organization both invaluable expertise across the media landscape and an ongoing commitment to STEM education initiatives around the globe.”

Knell is Senior Advisor for Media and Social Impact at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Executive Chairman of Common Sense Networks. From 2014 through 2018, Knell served as president and CEO of the National Geographic Society, where he oversaw the organization’s nonprofit activities in science exploration, education and media innovation. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR). He was also President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, where he was instrumental in groundbreaking international coproductions promoting public health, conflict resolution and basic childhood education. He also served as Senior Vice President at WNET/THIRTEEN in New York and served as Counsel to the US Senate Governmental Affairs and Judiciary Committees.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in political science (where he was Editorial Director of the UCLA Daily Bruin) and a JD from Loyola Law School, as well as honorary degrees from Kenyon College, Mercy College and Franklin University in Switzerland.

“I’m excited to join the Board of Trustees of the Society to support an organization focused on one of the most important challenges in our world: Translating science to the public through inspiration, education and example,” said Knell. “I look forward to helping Maya and her team reach great heights ahead.”

About Society for Science 

Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science)