Our Leadership Team

Kathleen Bodenlos, Executive Director, has over 20 years of executive management and strategic development experience for corporations and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about the role museums play in creating curious thinking and sparking the joy of learning.

In her current role, Kathleen provides strategic direction and is responsible for the success of the museum’s mission as well as overseeing finance, exhibits, education, marketing, operations and philanthropy. Prior to moving to Utah to join the Discovery Gateway team, Kathleen served on the executive management teams of both Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati Museum Center. Before working in the museum field, she worked in executive leadership roles for corporations primarily in the medical device industry. She earned a BA from Thomas Edison University and is passionate about hiking, art and travel.

Jacob Adamson, Exhibit designer and Installer, is responsible for the upkeep, development, and creation of exhibits within Discovery Gateway. He Graduated from the University of Utah in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Multi-Disciplinary Design with a focus on exhibition. Gathering experience from Discovery Gateway and the Natural History Museum of Utah, he is well accustomed to cultural institutions and their impact on education and works to maintain a welcome environment and to keep the exhibits new and exciting for returning guests.

Kim Christopherson, Director of Philanthropy, has over 20 years of collective experience in education sales, philanthropic and community impact events, marketing and PR. She has a depth of understanding of multi-faceted business operations and an unmatched drive to deliver success.

Experienced in creative strategy and relationship building proven to grow organizational impact and revenue, Kim is a deliberate and analytical thinker that takes immediate action to get things done. She has the enthusiasm and long-term vision to not only accomplish any goal she sets out to do, but to exceed them.

As a Utah Native, Kim enjoys exploring the great outdoors, family and travel. Kim is a graduate of Western Governors University.

Laura Cotter, Senior Manager of Outreach Education, has a strong background in chemistry, biology, and math. She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in professional chemistry from the University of Utah. She worked as a research assistant for Dr. Matthew Sigman at the U of U and Dr. Eileen Kennedy at the University of Georgia. She worked at a compounding pharmacy for seven years where she found diverse ways to apply her knowledge. Beyond practical applications, Laura has tutored in math and sciences from elementary to college levels. Laura cares deeply about encouraging children, especially young girls, to become interested in the sciences from an early age. Her position allows her to help science become more accessible for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Chris Futral, Facilities Manager, is responsible for the management and upkeep of the Discovery Gateway's building, its systems and helps with the installation and maintenance of the museum's exhibits. Chris brings 25 years of construction and property management experience to the museum. Gathering experience from managing various types of retail and office properties and having most recently spent seven years as the facilities manager for Spectrum Academy charter schools, he is accustomed to helping create and maintain facility environments that feel fresh, inviting and conducive to the educational and customer experience. Chris has a passion for working with forward facing non-profits that have a positive impact on the community.

Heath Garner has over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, having served as an Internal Auditor in the Banking industry, an Assistant Controller for a large newspaper and a Controller for a construction company. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Utah Valley State College and his Master of Accountancy Degree from DeVry University. Heath takes great pride in his ability to juggle many tasks, improve company efficiencies, reconcile complex accounts, and keep a well-balanced budget. In his spare time, Heath enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and  two teenaged children.

Cyd Hatch, Head of Digital Marketing, is responsible for developing the digital marketing campaigns that help build and promote the Museum's mission and overarching brand. With 10 years of experience, she has had a proven track record of success in digital and brand marketing in numerous fields including the United States Senate as well as having her written, creative and photography work featured in Cosmopolitan magazine, the Washington Post, The Hill, The Jimmy Kimmel Show and many other major publications.

Prior to working at the museum, she worked as the Social Media Director of the Waterford Institute, a national education nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality educational resources for children. Before moving to Utah, she served as a Marketing Development Manager at the The Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Washington D.C.,  where she advocated for early intervention and education services.

She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho and currently lives in South Jordan Utah with her husband Dantley and two French bulldogs. She is passionate about art, reading, going for walks and travel.

Teri Hogan is the Floor Operations Manager and has been at Discovery Gateway since 2015. She runs the daily operations on the museum floor, ensuring the museum is fully staffed and functioning. Teri is always finding innovative ways to make sure families are having fun while being safe in the museum. She has over fifteen years of customer service experience, twelve of those years in management. In her spare time, she teaches English to children and has a TESOL certification. Teri obtained her bachelor’s in science from the University of Texas at Austin.