Meet Our Board
JOE BILL
President
Joe moved to Fountain Hills in 1987 to help open Mayo Clinic-Scottsdale. He participated in the successful effort to get Fountain Hills incorporated, which led to his appointment to the first Town Council in 1990. Although his degrees are in physics and math, his professional career was in marketing and health care administration, mostly with Mayo Clinic. He was also an Adjunct Professor in ASU’s strategic planning Masters program. His appreciation for the nighttime universe began when he received his first telescope in 6th grade. Adult astronomy camps furthered his desire to preserve the beautiful skies above Fountain Hills. He and his wife Nancy formed and led the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association in its successful goal to help Fountain Hills receive its prestigious designation as the world’s 17th International Dark Sky Community in 2018. He was recognized as a Dark Sky Defender by DarkSky International
JOHN CRAFT
Vice President, Dark Sky Preservation
John is a native Arizonan who returned to his home state 26 years ago and settled in Fountain Hills. He has a BS/MBA and devoted his professional life to leading business and strategic planning within the health services industry. Since his retirement, John has been involved in numerous community civic and social projects, including Fountain Hills Pickleball Club (co-founder), Vision Fountain Hills (co-chair), Leadership Academy (co-chair), Town of FH Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (3 years as Chair) and currently Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association (President). John’s motivation for joining IDSDC is driven by his ongoing interest in preserving our community’s unique natural environment, sustaining our town’s designation as an International Dark Sky Community, and raising public awareness and support for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center and its mission.
NANCY BILL
Treasurer
Nancy Bill always appreciated being able to see the night sky and nocturnal animals while growing up in Wisconsin, living in the country in Minnesota while working at Mayo Clinic, camping in the Southwest, or living in Fountain Hills. Although her careers as a medical lab manager and later as a CPA kept her busy, she always found time to volunteer. Nancy co-chaired the bond campaign to build Fountain Hills High School and chaired the Strategic Committee for the Fountain Hills incorporation effort. She also volunteered time as a McDowell Mountain Conservancy steward and as an officer of the PTO Board, Library Board, and Golden Eagle Foundation. Over the past several years, she’s been devoting her time to preserving Fountain Hills’ unique dark skies. She was recognized as a Dark Sky Defender by DarkSky International.
APRIL SESSNER
Secretary
April Sessner is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in Social Work. She has lived in Arizona for over 35 years, along with four generations of her family. After a career in the medical industry, she moved to Fountain Hills from Scottsdale and quickly became active in the community. She is a board member of the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association, a graduate of the Fountain Hills Leadership Academy, co-chair of the In-Home Concerts Committee, and volunteers at her grandchildren’s school, ensuring our children never stop reaching for the stars. Her appreciation of Fountain Hills and the Dark Sky Community designation prompted her involvement with the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. “Space has the ability to produce a triple bottom line, or ROIII: Return on Investment, Innovation, and Inspiration.” – Robert C. Jacobson, Space Advocate
SCOTT ADAMS
Planetarium Champion
After completing a 31-year career as a petroleum geologist/exploration manager, Scott and his wife Diana retired to Salida, Colorado, in 2006. In 2018, they moved to Fountain Hills to be closer to their family. Fountain Hills was chosen because of its International Dark Sky Community status and for being a pet-friendly community. Within a few months, Scott joined the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association board and eventually served as the organization’s president for 2.5 years. Scott joined the International Dark Sky Discovery Center board in 2019 and serves as its “planetarium champion,” with the role of recommending the best options for planetarium architecture and projection systems. Both the above organizations support pursuits about which Scott is passionate: astronomy, astrophotography, and protecting nocturnal wildlife. He is proud to serve on both boards and to contribute to the betterment of Fountain Hills and the surrounding region.
TED BLANK
Dark Sky Observatory Champion
Ted’s passion for amateur astronomy began when he first saw the moons of Jupiter through a telescope in the Sierra Nevada mountains. He is a past President of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and is currently a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador. He was the first to receive the 250-hour award pin for public outreach from the Sidewalk Astronomers of America, a nationwide public service organization. After moving to Fountain Hills in 2014, he continued his public outreach by frequently setting up his telescopes for the public, providing viewing activities for special events, and offering astronomy talks at the Fountain Hills Community Center. He recently helped initiate a program for amateur astronomers to become Volunteers In The Park at the Grand Canyon National Park, and serves on the board of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association as their Education Coordinator. In October 2018, Ted was recognized as a Dark Sky Defender by Dark Sky International.
VICKY DERKSEN
Social Media & Website Manager
Vicky moved to Fountain Hills in 1997, where she and her husband, Mark, raised their family. She taught naked-eye astronomy to local high school students, which led to her involvement with the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association. She joined that board in January 2017 and helped with the process of getting Fountain Hills designated as an International Dark Sky Community in January 2018. She now serves as the President of that organization. Vicky is a graduate of Class 1 of the Fountain Hills Leadership Academy and served on that board for three years. She also served on the board of the Fountain Hills Cultural & Civic Association. Vicky is the founder of Night Sky Tourist, a local stargazing business with a podcast by the same name.
WALT FRANKLIN
Inspiration Theater Champion
Walt and his family have happily lived In Arizona for over 50 years. He is the retired CEO of Cheese and Dairy Products Ltd., a sales and marketing company based in the Valley. Prior to arrival, Walt graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and held a variety of national marketing and product development positions with firms in the environmental control and consumer products industries. As an avid promoter of civic engagement, Walt has served in numerous roles over the years including President of the Civic Association; Founder and President of the Community Center Advisory Commission; Founder and President of Vision Fountain Hills; and is a member of the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame. “The IDSDC presents a unique opportunity for our community to bring the magic of the Dark Sky Universe to our World and the World to our Community. I cannot imagine a more wonderful or worthwhile project to support or be involved with.”
BRUCE KOSAVEACH
Philanthropy
Bruce and his wife Sherry moved to Fountain Hills in 2019 and were immediately impressed with the dark sky aspect of the town and the fact that it is a designated International Dark Sky Community. Bruce had worked with Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff for over eight years and was familiar with the challenging requirements to qualify as a certified dark sky community. Flagstaff was the first to be awarded that distinction. Bruce also had a career in the Navy and is a retired Captain. He is currently president of the Arizona Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. His interest in astronomy began in elementary school when he would use a small telescope his parents had bought him to find stars and planets on cold nights in Indiana. The time spent with Lowell Observatory furthered his knowledge and awareness of the wonders of space. He is impassioned to help the dark sky movement in Fountain Hills with the building of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center.
TONY PISTILLI
Night Sky Exhibit Hall Champion
Tony earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1973, and a Master’s in Business from Rensselaer Hartford in 1980. His career path moved to Phoenix with America West Airlines followed by a move to the Bay Area to help United Airlines manage a fleet expansion in 1991. He retired to Fountain Hills in 2007 and volunteered with Junior Achievement and Boys & Girls Club. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Fountain Hills, Treasurer of the Club Foundation, and currently serves as President of the FH Automobile Club. Tony is also a member and docent of Mesa’s Commemorative Air Force, serving as a tour guide and making presentations on aviation. His interest in astronomy followed him throughout his career and he now serves as one of the local “Star Dudes” where he helps with star parties and gives science presentations. He has performed historical western music shows with the OK Chorale for over 10 years in over 250 shows.
NICK PROCTOR
Board Member at Large
NANCY SCHNEIDER
Philanthropy Manager
Nancy Schneider, a native Texan, came to Arizona in 2007 and fell in love with the beauty and vibe of Fountain Hills. Nancy’s fascination for the dark skies began at an early age, as her father worked for NASA in tracking stations all over the world. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications, Nancy’s professional path led her to a 45-year career in the commercial insurance/risk management industry, where she was active in her professional society and served on various boards. Although technically still a snowbird from Pennsylvania with her husband John, once Nancy retired, she became involved in charities in both Pennsylvania and Arizona. When Nancy learned that Fountain Hills had been designated an International Dark Sky Community, she wanted to be more active with the Dark Sky movement. As a result, she volunteered to serve on the Dark Sky Festival Planning Committee and offered to help move the Discovery Center project forward. “Dreams come true when we reach for the stars!
GEOFF YAZZETTA
Community Relations Manager
Geoff first became interested in astronomy when he saw Comet Hale-Bopp as a third grader and has been fascinated with everything the night sky has to offer since. Originally from Los Angeles, Geoff was a frequent visitor to both the Griffith and Mount Wilson Observatories and would coordinate star parties for his friends during the Perseid meteor shower every August. While in LA, he worked as District Director for LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian and then moved to Fountain Hills in 2021 to pursue multiple business ventures with a lifelong friend. He was thrilled to learn of the plan to build the International Dark Sky Discovery Center and its mission to provide tremendous educational opportunities for people of all ages. Geoff joined the IDSDC Board in the spring of 2023 and looks forward to seeing the project through to its completion. Geoff also serves as a Commissioner on the Town’s Strategic Planning Advisory Commission, is the Chairman of the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association’s Civic Affairs Committee, and was a member of the Fountain Hills Leadership Academy Class 6.
Meet Our Staff
DR. CAIN JAGODZINSKI
CEO
Dr. Cain Jagodzinski serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, where he leads the organization’s mission to advance education, foster scientific research, promote dark sky preservation, and grow astrotourism through innovative programs, exhibits, and community partnerships. With more than 27 years of leadership experience in public education, Dr. Jagodzinski previously served as Superintendent of the Fountain Hills Unified School District, earning a reputation for innovation, strategic vision, and building strong community partnerships. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and has dedicated his career to expanding educational opportunities and creating meaningful learning experiences. As CEO, he is guiding the development of one of the world’s premier dark sky education destinations, combining astronomy, dark sky preservation, and immersive technology to connect visitors with the wonder of the night sky. Dr. Jagodzinski is passionate about inspiring future generations to explore, discover, and protect our shared universe.
DANIA WRIGHT
Education Director
Dania is the Education Director at the IDSDC. An Arizona-raised science communicator and scholar, she leads curriculum, programs, and partnerships that connect astronomy and dark-sky stewardship to learners of all ages. She earned her PhD in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology from Arizona State University, where her research focused on federal research funding, professional development, and informal science education. She brings experience in program development, digital content, and public engagement from the National Air and Space Museum and the Arizona Science Center, where she was a Walton Sustainability in Science & Technology Museums Fellow. She has also previously worked in science media, including as associate science producer for Bill Nye Saves the World and guest writing and producing for ASU’s Space for Humans. At the IDSDC, she builds educator resources, telescope and planetarium programming, and regional partnerships that empower visitors and communities to protect the night sky.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS