Leslie Wickman New ASA Director

Leslie Wickman succeeds Randy Isaac as Executive Director of the American Scientific Affiliation. Randy retired after 11 years of outstanding leadership of the ASA. In recognition of his years of service and his future involvement in the ASA as a volunteer, the Council has appointed him to the honorary position of Executive Director Emeritus.

Leslie brings a wealth of experience to the ASA leadership. She is a researcher, teacher, and administrator, both in academia and in industry. She received her PhD in human factors and biomechanics from Stanford University and most recently was Program Director of Engineering and Director of the Center for Research in Science, both at Azusa Pacific University.

Her industry experience includes work at the Aerospace Corporation, the RAND Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space. Her work centered on the U.S. human spaceflight program, and she is a trained EVA/IVA test astronaut with over 100 hours of test time in a NASA spacesuit and an FAA private pilot's license. Last, but certainly not least, Leslie has a passion for reaching the church and our culture at large with the message that faith and science, rather than being in conflict with one another, instead complement one another.

Along with the appointment of Leslie as Executive Director, Vicki Best has been appointed as ASA's Director of Operations and Development. Vicki is well known to the ASA family as Director of Business Development, where she has helped to manage the ASA's finances. The Council is grateful for her willingness to take on an expanded role in the organization.

Leslie's and Vicki's appointments will be effective April 1, 2016. As the ASA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the Council welcomes both of them into their new roles and looks forward to working with Leslie as she leads the organization into the next part of ASA's journey.

Visit Leslie Wickman's website where she writes on Science, Faith, Environment, Technology, Astronomy and Rocket Science.

Check out Leslie's new book, God of the Big Bang, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever books are sold. Also watch her recent TED talk.