Danielle Gunn

Danielle Gunn is a lifelong fan of science and space and joined The Planetary Society in 2015.

Before arriving at the Society, Danielle enjoyed a career in public media, as general manager of Chicago’s leading independent radio station, WLUW-FM, and as an on-air host and producer for NPR affiliate KCUR-FM in Kansas City. Her science communication career began as a volunteer for the Illinois Science Council, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and entertaining the public about STEM in everyday life. In 2014, she became ISC’s first Associates Board Chair, leading a team of scientists and science enthusiasts that surpassed the organization’s fundraising and communications goals.

Inspired by her hero Dr. Carl Sagan, Danielle is fulfilling her dream of dedicating her life’s work to advancing space science. As Chief Program Officer, she leads the Society’s Programs department, bringing together education and public outreach, space policy and advocacy, science and technology, and membership and community into one integrated effort to inspire the public to advance the scientific exploration of space.

She previously served as the Society’s Chief Communications Officer, leading the marketing, communications, and public outreach work that grew the Society’s community to millions of supporters and earned coverage in outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, CNN, and ABC News.