Michael Hsien has been appointed the new executive director of Challenger Learning Centers of Orleans, Niagara and Erie Counties (CLC-ONE).
He succeeds Cathy M. Michaels, who has served as CLC-ONE's executive director since the organization's founding in 2006.
A native of Barker and current resident of Buffalo, Shine earned a bachelor's degree in physics with minors in astronomy and mathematics from the State University of New York at Genesis. Shine first joined CLC-ONE in 2018 and has served as assistant director for the past three years.
“The CLC-ONE Executive Director Search Committee recognized Michael's academic achievements, in-depth knowledge of the Center's current operations and future needs, and dedication to the mission of the Center and its community and determined that selecting him over other candidates to promote him to executive director was the best decision for the future of the organization,” board chair Steve Cotton said in a news release.
Cotton added that Michaels garnered the public support necessary to open the center, directed the related fundraising efforts, and led the search for a local facility capable of housing the distinctive Space Mission Simulator equipment common to all 45 Challenger Learning Centers in the U.S. Complete renovation of the first floor of Lockport's Harrison Place Building 1 began in 2013, and the center began operations in January 2017.
Michaels remains a member of CLC-ONE’s board of directors, and the board has recognized her contributions with the title of “Founder and Director Emeritus.”
CLC-ONE's mission is to raise students' expectations for success and create positive experiences that foster long-term interests in math, science, engineering, arts and technology (STEAM) and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. To learn more about the center and its immersive space mission simulation, portable planetarium outreach, LEGO robotics and building programs, and other after-school activities, visit the center's website at CLCLockport.org.