Biography

Jeff Hall headshot

Jeff is a consummate learner and extends his skill base to every person he works with. He helped craft many of the pathways for the reborn Yerkes Observatory. We value his expertise and his open, relaxed approach to guiding our team. – Dianna Colman, Board Chair, Yerkes Future Foundation

As a visionary leader, Jeff Hall offers a rare blend of scientific analysis, the ability to assess risk vs reward, and keen insights gained from overcoming institutional challenges. His leadership expertise is matched by a donor-centric fundraising approach that results in loyal donors and record-setting gifts. Jeff’s wisdom, gained from decades of nonprofit leadership, will be especially valued by organizations looking for significant growth. – Lisa Actor, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, Lowell Observatory

I received a B.A. in Physics in 1986 from the Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics in 1991 from the Pennsylvania State University. I joined the staff of Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1992 as a postdoctoral research fellow, specializing in stellar astrophysics and the variations of the Sun and sun-like stars. In 1998, I became the Observatory’s Associate Director for Education and Special Programs, and since 2010, I have served as Executive Director. In 2015, the Observatory completed construction and commissioning of the $53M Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT); and in 2024, the Observatory opened the $53M Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC). In the past dozen years, Lowell has received well over $100M through University partnerships for access to the LDT; through foundation, corporate, and individual gifts in support of the ADC; and through philanthropic contributions to many other programs.

I am an inaugural Fellow of the American Astronomical Society, and from 2017 to 2022, I served as Chair of the Society’s standing committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris. I also served from 2021-2024 as Chair of the Solar Observatory Council for the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy.

During my tenure as Lowell’s Executive Director, I have provided consulting services to a number of external organizations, including the Yerkes Future Foundation, the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, and numerous non-profit organizations around Flagstaff, in connection with organizational, financial, and capital project challenges they were facing.

My principal avocation is music, and I served from 1992 through 2024 as the assistant organist at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff. I have occasionally performed with orchestras and ensembles, and I enjoy creating synthesizer realizations of various works, including my own ragtime, with my home studio.

In Flagstaff, I served as Senior Warden at Epiphany, as President of the Board of Directors of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, as President of the Governing Board of Northland Preparatory Academy, and as Chair of the Board of the Northern Arizona Leadership Alliance. I also spent eight years as a Big Brother and am still regularly in touch with my “Little.”

When not busy with consulting and music, I enjoy reading, board and video games, and training for and participating in triathlons.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air of Flagstaff for 32 years, my wife Schenley and I relocated to the “old pueblo” of Tucson in November 2024. We have three grown sons, Jonathan, Benjamin, and Nicholas.

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