call CAl trash-can audio wheelchair right-chevron headphones tickets left-large-arrow facebook space cart pin video-resource-button sensitive-content atm youtube left-chevron plus wifi search eye instagram group backward right-large-arrow chevron-up wheelchair-3 traffic-sign baby-stroller mouse chevron-down twitter clock money cheers magnifying-glass calendar blog pdf-file-icon pin-map pause forward mother right-arrow left-arrow minus cart-with-number silverware Lifted Logic Web Design in Kansas City clock location phone phone-alt play chevron-down medium-chevron-down chevron-down-thin chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up facebook checkbox checkbox-checked radio radio-selected instagram google plus pinterest twitter youtube send linkedin close down-arrow rewind fast-forward thin-plus information elevator restrooms transportation up-arrow pencil

Press Releases

Union Station Builds on Successes with Internal Promotions to Fill Two Key Positions – Director of Science City and Director of Development & Community Relations

Key Promotions Signal Yet Another Milestone in Remarkable Growth and Vibrancy for Historic Monument

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 13, 2022) — Union Station announced today the promotions of Dennise Day to Director of Science City and Sara Lissauer to Director of Development & Community Relations. Following an extensive external and internal search to fill these two critical roles, Station officials are celebrating the opportunity to elevate these two proven talents from within the organization.

“The opportunity to fill these important Union Station positions with high caliber internal candidates is a testament to the strength of our entire team,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station said. “Dennise and Sara both came to the Station with proven depth in their respective fields.  Since joining us, they’ve both embraced the opportunity to listen, learn and lead in compelling ways around topics critical to our current, long-term and entrepreneurially focused successes.  They have been deliberate in their desire to help grow our historic and celebrated brands and we are being deliberate in giving them our full support with their promotions.”

Photo of Dennise Day

Dennise Day . . .

In her new role, Dennise will oversee Science City’s educator team, day-to-day operations, and the development of innovative and inquiry-based approaches to STEM educational programs and exhibits to increase people’s understanding of, and interest in science.  Dennise will also take on a community-facing role in order to elevate the overall awareness and importance of STEM education.

Before joining Union Station’s Science City Team, Dennise served as Education Manager with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Head Start Program and prior to that as an Early Intervention Coordinator with Missouri First Steps Program.

Dennise Day can be reached at (816) 460-2010 and via email at [email protected].

 

 


Sara Lissauer . . .

Sara, in her new role as Director of Development and Community Relations, will oversee the donor development department, working closely with the philanthropic community to create partnerships to serve the scientific and cultural mission of Union Station. She will also work to expand the organization’s community outreach to attract and retain corporate, foundation and individual supporters. Additionally, Sara and her team will celebrate and grow the Union Station Volunteer Program, which represents one of the largest in-kind gifts received annually.

Previous to joining Union Station’s Development Department, Sara served for 10 years as Director of Development at Sunflower House, a child advocacy center in Shawnee, KS.  Additionally, her entire professional career of 25 years has focused on individual, corporate and community development.

Guastello also emphasizes appreciation for LeAnn Smith – retiring Director of Science City and Christy Nitsche – most recent Director of Development & Community Relations at Union Station.

“LeAnn and Christy are both committed professionals and applied themselves to our mission in the most consequential ways,” shares Guastello.  “We can’t thank each of them enough for the time and talent they invested in our organization.  And their influence will remain, as they each had a direct hand in hiring and mentoring the two people who will follow in their respective footsteps.  That’s a powerful sign of an organization built for sustained success.”

Sara Lissauer can be reached at (816) 460-2059 and via email at [email protected].

# # #

About Union Station Kansas City, Inc. 

Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 107-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Gallery; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. VisitWWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.

About Science City – Powered by Burns & McDonnell 

 Centrally located in the heart of Kansas City and part of the historic and acclaimed Union Station complex, Science City boasts more than 325 interactive and static exhibits covering nearly 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space. Internationally awarded for “Visitor Experience” by ASTC and regionally awarded “Favorite Family Friendly Attraction” by Visit KC Visitors Choice Awards, Science City powered by Burns & McDonnell is named one of the country’s TOP 25 science centers. Annually, it educates and entertains hundreds of thousands of science-thirsty children of all ages. Kansas City’s Science Center is THE place for inquisitive young minds to create, explore, and experiment with the BIG world of science through hands-on learning and non-stop fun. Visit SCIENCECITY.COM for details.