(Alamogordo, New Mexico, January 4, 2024) – The New Mexico Museum of Space History is pleased to welcome three new staff members – Education Specialist Llirmarie DeLeon, Assistant Curator Brianna Buller, and Finance Officer Andy Olivas. “Each of our new staff members brings a unique skill set and personal passion to our museum and we’re delighted to have them on board,” said Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll.
DeLeon, who goes by Marie, hails from Puerto Rico where she graduated high school from Antilles Military Academy. She went on to attend the University of Sagrado Corazon where she acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Following that Marie attended Carlos Alvizu University where she completed her Master’s Degree in School Psychology. She worked for the U.S. Department of Education for five years but wanted to take her career in a different direction. “I enjoy the interaction with the public here at the museum and I learn something new everyday,” she commented, “and I love New Mexico sunsets!”
Buller, or Bri as she is known by staff, is a native of Kansas. She attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, and received a bachelor’s degree in history. She went on to attend Royal Holloway, University of Longdon, in Egham, Surrey, where she received a master’s degree in public history. Bri worked as an intern at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas, where she honed her skills in curation. On a personal note, one of her favorite experiences was spending Christmas in London. During the trip, she had the opportunity to see Henry Cavill, star of the Netflix television series The Witcher. Bri commented that she is “excited to be here at the museum and is looking forward to exploring New Mexico.”
Andy Olivas is from El Paso, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Adriana. He has two sons, one who lives in El Paso and the other in Wisconsin. Andy is a graduate of El Paso High School and attended the University of Texas in El Paso. He has 31 years in the finance and auditing industry, much of which involved significant travel. “Although it may seem like a long commute to Alamogordo, it’s a lot less driving than I’ve been doing and I’m very happy with that. I’m looking forward to contributing more to the museum and becoming part of the team here,” he said. “One of my favorite things about the museum is interacting with the visitors and the children, and seeing the joy on their faces when they visit.” Andy is a collector of antique vehicles, and his favorite find is a 1954 Chevy Bel Air which he has lovingly restored.
About the New Mexico Museum of Space History: www.nmspacemuseum.org
The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum showcases the significant role New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program and features the International Space Hall of Fame, and New Horizons Dome Theater.
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