Leadership
Meet the leadership team, Trustees, and Fellows whose vision and direction make the Academy's mission possible.
Meet the senior leadership team, Trustees, and Academy Fellows whose vision and direction make the Academy's mission possible.
Management team
Scott D. Sampson, PhD
Executive Director and William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair
Dr. Sampson leads the institution’s world-class museum as well as its programs of scientific research, sustainability, and education. A renowned paleontologist, passionate science communicator, and seasoned museum leader, Sampson joined the Academy in September 2019.
Shannon Bennett, PhD
Chief of Science and Harry W. and Diana V. Hind Dean of Science and Research Collections
Dr. Bennett is responsible for the Academy’s programs of scientific research and exploration, as well as overseeing the Academy’s priceless collection of nearly 46 million scientific specimens from around the world.
Michael Costanzo
General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer
Costanzo is the senior leader who manages legal processes, security, safety, and enterprise risk management at the Academy.
Ayat Elnoory
Chief People and Culture Officer
Elnoory leads all aspects of the employee experience to deeply connect staff to the Academy’s purpose of regenerating the natural world and to support a thriving culture in which all staff have opportunities for growth, connection, and advancement.
Estefanía Pihen González, PhD
Chief of Education and Learning
Dr. Pihen González is responsible for leading the Academy’s extensive education and engagement programs, including a team of about 45 staff, 30 paid interns, and 400 volunteers.
Amber Mace, PhD
Managing Director/Chief of Strategy
Dr. Mace leads leads strategy for the Academy and oversees the Academy’s divisions dedicated to science and education, as well as Steinhart Aquarium, strategic partnerships, government affairs and strategic planning.
Sina Mossayeb, PhD
Chief Innovation Officer
Dr. Mossayeb works closely with leaders across the Academy to foster bold ideas through cross-disciplinary collaboration, integrate emerging technologies, and build partnerships with Bay Area innovators in order to shape experiences that deepen public engagement and make the Academy’s work more relevant to everyday life.
Mark Ruffo, PhD
Chief Advancement Officer
Dr. Ruffo works closely with the Academy Board of Trustees and a team of development professionals to raise philanthropic gifts that support the Academy's scientific research, environmental literacy programs, conservation initiatives, and museum experiences.
Academy Fellows
A governing group of approximately 450 distinguished scientists, Academy Fellows have made notable contributions to one or more of the natural sciences and help further the reach of our research and education initiatives through individual and collaborative efforts with Academy researchers. Nominated by their colleagues and selected by the Board of Trustees, Academy Fellows remain members of the Fellowship for life.
Board of Trustees
The strategic guidance and oversight provided by Academy Trustees, an exceptional group of leaders from the Bay Area and beyond, help shape the institution’s vision and strategic direction.
The Academy's Board of Trustees may have vacancies. If you wish to propose a nomination to the Board of Trustees, please contact us or you may do so at a public meeting of the Board of Trustees.
