The LSST Discovery Alliance Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Richard Green as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective July 27, 2026. Dr. Green will provide leadership and continuity while the Board conducts a national search for the organization’s next permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Green’s distinguished career spans more than four decades of research, observatory operations, and national science leadership. He has served as Director of Kitt Peak National Observatory, Director of the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory, Director of the University of Arizona/United Kingdom Infrared Telescope Observatory, and Division Director for Astronomical Sciences at the National Science Foundation. Throughout his career, he has helped guide major scientific facilities, foster international scientific collaboration, and strengthen the U.S. astronomical research enterprise.
In recent years, Dr. Green has become an internationally recognized leader in efforts to protect the night sky for astronomy. Through roles in the International Astronomical Union, the American Astronomical Society, and the United Nations, he has helped shape global efforts to address the impacts of satellite constellations and preserve dark and quiet skies for future scientific discovery.
As Interim CEO, Dr. Green will work closely with the Board, staff, member institutions, and Rubin Observatory colleagues to advance LSST Discovery Alliance’s mission of maximizing the scientific impact of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Rubin Observatory has begun full survey operations.
“Richard brings an exceptional combination of scientific vision, organizational leadership, and deep commitment to the astronomy community,” said Dr. Michael Wood-Vasey, Chair of the LSST Discovery Alliance Board of Directors. “His experience leading major scientific organizations, his longstanding service to the astronomy community, and his dedication to protecting the future of astronomy make him ideally suited to guide LSST Discovery Alliance through this important transition.”
“It is an extraordinary privilege to begin serving as Interim CEO just as Rubin Observatory begins full survey operations and Early Data Preview 2 is released to the scientific community,” said Dr. Green. “Years of preparation by thousands of people around the world led to this moment. LSST Discovery Alliance has built an outstanding foundation of programs, partnerships, and community engagement, and I look forward to working across LSST-DA’s diverse ecosystem to help the scientific community engage the full potential of Rubin’s remarkable dataset.”
Dr. Green succeeds Dr. Beth Willman, who earlier this year informed the Board of her decision to step down from LSST Discovery Alliance effective August 28. During her tenure, LSST Discovery Alliance experienced significant growth in its programs, partnerships, and impact in support of the Rubin science community. Dr. Willman and Dr. Green will work closely together throughout August to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Dr. Wood-Vasey shares “On behalf of the LSST-DA Board, I thank Beth for her clear and transformative leadership over the past four years. Because of her work, LSST-DA is now well-positioned to significantly increase the opportunity of the science and scientists of Rubin’s LSST.”
The Board has initiated a national search for the organization’s next permanent Chief Executive Officer. During the interim period, LSST Discovery Alliance will continue to advance its programs, partnerships, and services in support of the global Rubin science community.