Executive Director - The Leonardo
Giles has 21 years experience in developing and operating science, technology and culture centers in California, Hawaii, and Utah. He spearheaded planning and fundraising efforts for The Tech Museum of Innovation (The Tech), a $113 million, internationally recognized museum in San Jose, where he was executive director for 18 years. After retiring from The Tech, Giles served as executive director for the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, a program of the University of Hawaii-Hilo. At the museum, he oversaw efforts to successfully open the facility within just six months of his arrival. Giles served as president of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, where he worked with Hewlett-Packard Company founder David Packard to set the tone and vision for the organization, which brought companies together to work with state and local government officials in addressing issues affecting the economy and quality of life. Giles was also corporate partnership officer for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency.
Giles has served on the board of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), and received a fellowship from the Center for Excellence in Non-Profits to participate in Strategic Perspectives for Non-Profits at Harvard Business School. He also served on the board of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, dedicated to positive change through broad collaboration coalitions.
