Leadership

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to MCEA, leveraging a 30 year career focused on education, program development, and management within the science museum industry. His vast experience includes numerous leadership roles with notable institutions including Boston’s Museum of Science and Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, where he served for nearly 20 years leading initiatives in education, STEAM programs, exhibits & exhibitions, and fundraising.

Contact Tony at anthony@meteorcratereducation.org or on LinkedIn

CEO, METEOR CRATER

In 2019 Matthew Kent assumed the position of President & CEO of Meteor Crater Enterprises, Inc. and CEO of the Bar T Bar Ranch Company. Since that time, he has set a new vision and path for Meteor Crater and has developed the already popular attraction into a world-class science facility. Kent oversees all aspects of the company business including operations, marketing, and financial strategy. He successfully launched Planet Science, a new science-based store in downtown Flagstaff, and the Meteor Crater Education Alliance which is a non-profit educational charity where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Matthew Kent makes his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, and enjoys cooking, the arts, playing golf, and fishing.

Contact Matthew Kent on LinkedIn

THE BARRINGER CRATER COMPANY

Drew Barringer retired in June 2024 as the Chairman and CEO of The Barringer Crater Company after 43 years as both a shareholder and an executive for the family company. The company owns the Barringer Meteorite Crater, more commonly known as Meteor Crater.  During his 32-year tenure as CEO, he helped develop and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, and scientists worldwide interested in impact cratering. Under his leadership, The Barringer Crater Company established a grants program to support field research by graduate and postgraduate students from universities around the globe.

When he retired, over 100 students had received grants from The Barringer Family Fund for Meteorite Impact Research. In addition to this fund, he oversaw the company’s support of numerous research projects at known or suspected impact sites worldwide. He was an active member of the Meteoritical Society, serving for many years on the Society’s Endowment and Finance Committee. His interest in the Meteor Crater Education Alliance stems from The Barringer Crater Company’s purpose statement: To preserve and protect the crater and to support scientific research, education, and the inspiration of the public.

MANAGER, GARRATT-CALLAHAN COMPANY

Mr. Grede graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. He went on to work at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, specializing in evaluating groundwater impacts, evaluating surface water discharge and chemistry with the US Geological Survey, and managing the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program - enrolling citizen scientists throughout Illinois. After working in Illinois, Mr. Grede worked as an environmental consultant in central California, performing soil and groundwater evaluations from underground fuel tanks, and landfills, and conducting numerous environmental site assessments.

Relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, Mr. Grede became the Technical Manager for Waste Management, evaluating incoming waste streams for compliance with landfill permits, operating conditions, and California rules and regulations. Mr. Grede presented multiple training sessions on environmental, health and safety, and transportation of hazardous materials while at Waste Management and subsequently at a medical waste incinerator, and Republic Services. Kaiser Permanente provided additional opportunities for training and program implementation in the medical field, followed by leading environmental, health, and safety, and hazardous materials transportation programs at a private water treatment chemical manufacturing company.

Mr. Grede serves on the Board of Directors for the Flagstaff Arboretum, Meteor Crater Education Alliance, as a program evaluator for the Arizona Community Foundation, and works on special projects at Lowell Observatory.

VP OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION, METEOR CRATER

Lea Clifton serves as the Vice President of Finance & Administration for Meteor Crater Enterprises, providing financial leadership across company divisions. Before joining MCE, she was an executive for private businesses, planning and implementing performance transformations. 

 During her board tenure at the Flagstaff Family Food Center from 2018-2024, Lea served as Treasurer and Secretary. She is currently a Trustee for a private foundation.

 Lea has a graduate degree in Accounting (University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School, MAC, 2022) and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. This international business honor society recognizes high-performing students.  She is a Prosci® certified change practitioner and a former business and technical writing instructor with degrees in English (Texas A&M University, B.A., 1995, M.A., 1997). She enjoys fishing, skiing, hiking, and spending time with her husband and her three daughters.