William Spitzer, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. He has more than 30 years of experience as a non-profit leader and innovator in science and environmental education, climate communication, and network building to accelerate collective impact. He is  is former Vice President for Learning and Community at the New England Aquarium, where he was responsible for applying learning and social science research across education programs, exhibits, visitor experience, and community outreach for more than 20 years. He has been recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change for Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders, and has received a Visionary Award from the Gulf of Maine Council for innovation, creativity, and commitment to marine protection. He has a Ph.D. in Oceanography from MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and an undergraduate degree in Physics and Chemistry from Harvard University. Billy loves to spend time outdoors hiking, paddling, running, biking and backcountry skiing.