Cincinnati Observatory Center

Cincinnati, OH · Founded 1998

Historic astronomical research facility and public education center

Primary audience
General public
Work area
Research
Topic
Community development
Contact
Anna Hehman
Website Contact

About Organization

Cincinnati Observatory Center operates telescopes, provides astronomy education, and preserves astronomical heritage. Located in Cincinnati, OH, the observatory operates with donations and program fees, serving the public since 1842.

What They Focus On

Mission Delivery

Implementing core programs that directly advance organizational purpose.

Capacity Building

Strengthening infrastructure through strategic planning and resource development.

Community Impact

Creating measurable outcomes that benefit populations served.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$1.1M

+70.9% vs 2022

Expenses (2024)

$965K

+20% vs 2022

Assets (2024)

$1.4M

+8.6% vs 2022

Employees (2024)

15

+50% vs 2022

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $1,076,941 $964,974 $1,407,750 15
2022 $630,228 $804,343 $1,296,671 10
2021 $489,129 $2,272,649 $1,412,089 10
2020 $587,725 $739,659 $3,324,455 7
2019 $555,939 $635,221 $3,352,146 8
2018 $1,471,071 $569,435 $3,231,138 8

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Identify Needs

    Assess community priorities through stakeholder engagement and analysis.

  • 02

    Plan Initiatives

    Design strategic programs and allocate resources to address needs.

  • 03

    Execute Programs

    Implement services through trained staff while maintaining quality standards.

  • 04

    Evaluate Results

    Measure outcomes and gather feedback to assess impact and improve.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Cincinnati Observatory Center

Core Programs

Primary initiatives designed to fulfill organizational mission and serve community.

Community Outreach

Engagement activities connecting with stakeholders and expanding impact.

Capacity Building

Strengthening organizational infrastructure and program delivery systems.

Support Services

Assistance programs addressing diverse needs of community members.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Cincinnati Observatory Center.

Anna Hehman

Anna Hehman

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $100,191

I was lucky enough to grow up in the country where the night sky is incredibly clear, and often filled with gorgeous, vibrant stars. I remember lying on blankets in our yard as a kid looking for shooting stars with my family. The beauty of the universe is incredible, and I love learning more about it through my role at the Observatory. It's an honor to work at such a historic institution, and I love telling the Observatory's story and sharing our mission with funders, members, donors, and the public. 

Dr. Wes Ryle, Astronomer

Dr. Wes Ryle, Astronomer

My childhood interest in astronomy began with a book called ‘Our Universe’ from National Geographic. After reading and rereading that book many times, my passion for the sciences led me toward undergraduate degrees in physics and mathematics from Western Kentucky University. At WKU, I also had my first exposure to observational astronomy research and quickly realized that I wanted to make a career in astronomy. I earned my masters in physics and PhD in astronomy from Georgia State University, spending many nights collecting data at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ.

Kelsey Stryffe, Historic Facilities Manager

Kelsey Stryffe, Historic Facilities Manager

My fascination with the stars began at a very young age when my mom received a telescope for Christmas one year. To this day I will never forget the image of the moon through that small lens. I have been a stargazer ever since. The Cincinnati Observatory allows me to bring both my love of history and the cosmos together in very unique ways. As a graduate from Miami University with a degree in Art History, and a career built on interpretation, I understand the importance that tangible history experiences bring to the public. The Cincinnati Observatory makes history and the cosmos come alive and I feel very fortunate to be a part of a team that can make this magic happen.

Natalia Tooley, Outreach Educator

Natalia Tooley, Outreach Educator

My interest in the night sky began with my father taking my brothers and me camping as children. There was nothing better to me than traveling far enough away from civilization that you could look up and see thousands of stars in the sky. Not only has working for the Cincinnati Observatory given me the opportunity to educate the public on the night sky, but it has taught me so much about the history of my hometown. I am very happy that my environmental studies degree and my experience in nature and history education has brought me here.

Mika Smith, Outreach Educator

Mika Smith, Outreach Educator

My fascination with astronomy began during my childhood in Michigan, where I experienced my first meteor shower and glimpsed the Milky Way from Beaver Island. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for exploring the cosmos. Initially drawn to robotics and space technology, I spent years teaching at the Air Zoo in Michigan, where I inspired young minds through space and robotics summer camps.

AC

Alicia Culman

President And Director
1 hrs/week
CC

Cheryl Cowan

Vice President And Director
1 hrs/week

Milestones

1998

Organization Founded

1998

Cincinnati Observatory Center was established to address community needs and advance its mission.

2006

Leadership Development

2006

Strengthened governance with expanded board and executive team.

2024

Community Impact

2024

Demonstrated effectiveness through measurable program outcomes.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AS
Al Scheide Director 1.00 hrs/week
AC
Anna Coutts Director 1.00 hrs/week
DK
Dave Kuhl Director 1.00 hrs/week
DB
Doug Brauch Director 1.00 hrs/week
EB
Emalene Benson Director 1.00 hrs/week
EW
Emily Wallace Treasurer And Director 1.00 hrs/week
FY
Frances Youn Director 1.00 hrs/week
JS
Justin Stephenson Director 1.00 hrs/week
KM
Kelly Mills Director 1.00 hrs/week
LA
Lina Alkamhawi Director 1.00 hrs/week
MT
Matt Titus Director 1.00 hrs/week
MO
Megan Okun Director 1.00 hrs/week
RB
Rebekah Beaulieu Director 1.00 hrs/week
SA
Sean Andres Secretary And Director 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$104K

Highest Paid

$104K

Anna Hehman

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Anna Hehman Executive Director $100,191 $3,530 $103,721 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Contact

Get in touch with Cincinnati Observatory Center

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(513) 321-5186

Social

Visit Website
3489 Observatory Pl Cincinnati, OH 45208