New Executive Director Named at the Space Centre
February 2, 2024 – The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society is excited to announce that Lorraine Lowe will be taking over as its new Executive Director, as Raylene Marchand will be leaving the role. Raylene has provided outstanding and integral leadership to the organization since 2014, and has played a pivotal role in the Space Centre’s current revitalization. Lorraine was identified by Harbour West Consulting, who led the successful search process, and the Board of Directors is thrilled with the results of this partnership.
Raylene has been instrumental in developing a community-focused brand strategy for the Space Centre over the last decade that bridges art, culture and science. She drove the Planetarium Star Theatre’s transition to digital projection, all while remaining a calm and guiding force, focusing on assuring the Space Centre’s financial future, ensuring the legacy of this Vancouver institution continues.
“I want to express my appreciation to our community partners for their dedication, as well as the current and past board members for their vision and commitment to the Space Centre’s growth. Thank you for the immense honour of serving this group and the exceptional Space Centre team for the past 9+ years. We have achieved many milestones and have advanced our mission in terms of provincial outreach and science literacy, diversity and inclusivity of our programming, and marketing and brand recognition. The Space Centre has grown to be a worthy contender in the highly competitive non-profit tourism and attraction sector. I look forward to watching this organization and community continue to flourish and grow for years to come.” – Raylene Marchand, departing Executive Director, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society
Prior to joining the Space Centre, Lorraine Lowe has been the Executive Director and former Head of Operations, Human Resources and Administration of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. She brings deep expertise in governance, community relations, and team leadership, leveraged from a diversity of sectors including tourism, arts and culture, film production, and finance. Lorraine serves as a Board Member of the Vancouver Police Board, the Dragonboat Festival, and the Chinese Canadian Policing Board. She holds her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Simon Fraser University.
Lorraine’s first day with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will be March 25, 2024.
“The Space Centre Board of Directors is deeply grateful to Raylene Marchand for her many years of leadership, and for helping to elevate the Centre during her time with us. While we will miss her deeply, we are very excited to begin working with Lorraine as our new Executive Director. Lorraine is an established and trusted leader, who brings knowledge and experience in non-profit board governance and leadership. Lorraine comes to the role with a strong community engagement focus, and deep understanding of the Vancouver landscape.” – Larkin MacKenzie-Ast, Board Chair, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society
“I am honoured to be joining the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre as the new Executive Director. I look forward to working with the Board and team to advance the organization’s vision, programs, and services to best serve the communities.” – Lorraine Lowe, incoming Executive Director, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society
