Dr. Amber Mace

The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in scientific research and environmental education—all under one living roof.

Amber Mace will join the Academy from the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), where has served as CEO since 2018 and before that as Deputy Director since 2013. During her 10 years at CCST, Mace has built a diverse and high-performing team to deliver scientific guidance to the state of California on a range of important issues, from climate change to disaster resilience to energy policy. Through a collaborative and inclusive approach, she has spearheaded many cross-sectoral partnerships to tackle some of today’s most pressing issues.

“We look forward to Amber Mace joining the Academy to lead our efforts to expand and deepen regional, national, and international partnerships,” Sampson said. “Her responsibilities in this new role will include guiding the Academy's work in convening and community engagement, and overseeing our divisions devoted to science and education. We are excited to launch this new role, which will be critical to the Academy’s mission of regenerating the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.”