James Lockridge is a Public Program Specialist at Kitt Peak National Observatory, where he enjoys sharing its history and frontline science with the public and guiding their celestial object observations in the Visitor Center telescopes. He seeks out opportunities to share and empower others, and to help them discover awe or experience how aspirational humanity can be. Lockridge directed an independent music office for almost 30 years, channeling local and national support to the inclusive preservation and promotion of Vermont-made music. James co-founded the community radio station 105.9 The Radiator; co-Captained Vermont’s Code for America Brigade of civic technologists; and participates on boards that coordinate programming among the cultural heritage tourism partners of a regional National Heritage Area and develop community among the state’s creative industries. He is a longtime advocate for equity and transparency in government, especially in relation to the arts. He served on Vermont’s 250th Commission and was recognized by the Vermont Arts Council with the 2019 Margaret (Peggy) L. Kannenstine Award for Arts Advocacy. James graduated with a BA from the University of Vermont in 1991. He enjoys motorcycle riding and lives in Tucson with his wife, daughter and a house full of cats and dogs. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesedgarlockridge/