Shawn M. Kahle,
President and CEO

Shawn M. Kahle was named president and chief executive officer of The New Detroit Science Center in April 2002.

She is responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies to sustain the viability and growth of the Science Center, inclusive of overseeing operations, marketing and public relations, finance, fundraising, exhibits and programs at The New Detroit Science Center.

A 24-year resident of the Detroit area, Kahle previously served as a public relations consultant for various non-profit organizations throughout Metro Detroit, including the Detroit Historical Society and Museums, Marygrove College, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Leader Dogs for the Blind and The New Detroit Science Center where she has served on the Board of Trustees since early 2001.

Kahle is a board member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Girl Scouts of Metro Detroit, Digital Detroit, the University Cultural Center Association, Michigan Museum Association and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Women's Economic Club. She has served on the boards of the Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan Retailers Association, New Detroit Inc., the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, Operation Able, the Detroit Historical Society and March of Dimes of Southeastern Michigan.

Kahle was Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Kmart Corporation until December 2000 where she managed an integrated, communication and public relations staff responsible for government affairs, public policy, issues management, community relations, philanthropy, media relations, crisis communication, cause-related marketing, special events, employee communications and executive speech writing.

Kahle also has served as a faculty member in the Department of Speech Communication at Wayne State University and as a public relations executive at Ameritech.

Kahle has a degree in speech and journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., and completed graduate course work at Central Michigan University and Wayne State University. She resides in Royal Oak, Mich., with her husband Robert.