The purpose of the Healthcare and Life Science (HCLS) Committee is to be a resource for businesses to connect, educate, discuss and promote healthcare and life science topics that affect Palm Beach North quality of life. This group will plan and implement events that bring value to the healthcare and life science sectors as well as the Palm Beach North Community at large.
Join us for exciting updates from the Cox Science Center and Aquarium! Kelly Garvis, Director of Development, and Chris Pait, Director of Education, will share what is being planned for the newly renovated science center, including new facilities, programming, and opportunities for the healthcare and life sciences community to engage in the Center’s dynamic STEM Ecosystem. This exciting $140 million expansion will change the face of science and culture in our community, so don’t miss the chance to hear the latest developments in store for this beloved South Florida institution.
About the Cox Science Center and Aquarium:
Serving Palm Beach County since 1961, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium revolves around a simple premise: science is exciting! Our mission is to “Open Every Mind to Science” and we are delivering on this promise by providing schools, visitors, and campers an entirely new set of science programming and tech ventures based on computer coding, robotics, and other leading-edge educational programs. These new programs have allowed us to educate more young minds than ever before, now serving over 300,000 students, teachers, and visitors annually, including 130,000 through field trips and educational outreach into schools and classrooms. For more information, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org.
Chris Pait is responsible for educational programs at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium and has been with the Education Department for over 13 years. His favorite thing about working at the Science Center is the daily opportunity to learn something new and exciting. After all, there aren’t many jobs that require you to learn fun facts about dinosaurs, program robots, and use a 3D printer in the same day - for educational purposes, of course.
Kelly Garvis, CFRE leads development and fundraising at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, where she is spearheading a $150 million capital campaign to expand the Center’s reach and impact. With over a decade of nonprofit experience in Palm Beach County, she loves connecting people’s passion for science with opportunities to make a difference. No two days are alike; one might find her leading a hard hat tour, planning an event, or sharing in the wonder of a child seeing a T. rex for the first time. Kelly also serves the community as Programs Co-Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Palm Beach County Chapter, on the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee for United Way, and as a judge for the Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education.
