New Leadership at PASCO scientific
Here's the scoop: PASCO scientific is shaking things up at the top by welcoming David Lopez into the CEO chair as of October 5, 2026. Lopez comes packing over two decades of experience in education and organizational leadership. He's stepping into a legacy that's all about making science hands-on and exciting for students—not just in some fancy pitch deck, but in classrooms around the globe.
What Lopez Brings to the Table
Lopez ain’t new to weaving together educational threads. Before hopping aboard PASCO, he set up shop at Walla Walla University, founding the Center for Humanitarian Engagement. His gig there? Plugging students into community partnerships to solve real-world problems. This isn’t your average pencil-pusher; Lopez's got a solid history of rolling up sleeves and getting things done, both locally and internationally.
"David joins that remarkable company of people," Shelley Stokstad of PASCO notes, "bringing gifts and perspectives that will strengthen our collective efforts."
Strategy-wise, Lopez is eyeing sustainable growth to ensure PASCO keeps churning out the tools and resources educators need. He’s been there, done that, spending a sweaty summer blitzing through a year’s worth of physics classes and figuring out the beauty in lab work. This guy knows firsthand the thrill of discovery and plans to amplify that across PASCO's suite of offerings.
PASCO's Mission: Hands-on Learning
Ever since its foundation in 1964, PASCO has been about hands-on learning, blending gizmos like lab equipment and sensors with tailored software and curriculum. You can imagine it’s a fun toolkit that turns the abstract into tangible 'aha' moments for students.
Lopez's approach is going to bolster this mission by reinforcing the partnerships that PASCO's built over the years. With an ear to the ground, he'll be listening to educators and what they need. That means working tightly with Global Science Education Partners to ensure PASCO’s products don’t just sit pretty but deliver meaningful learning experiences.
A Global Reach & Future Vision
PASCO isn't just a small-town operation. Their scope spans over 100 countries, getting science education tools into classrooms from Roseville, California, to regions worldwide. Lopez's knack for international projects hints that he’s working to make all those connections even stronger. His previous work with Maranatha Volunteers International showed he could drive projects in tough spots. It's a good match for PASCO's expansive educational reach.
The future under Lopez looks like it’s about leveraging that international experience to pump up PASCO's impact. He’s gunning for what can only be described as a “legacy enhancement project”—not changing the core mission, but evolving it. Listen to educators, partner with them, and turn PASCO into a bigger, better cog in the global education machinery.
With his education chops—Business Administration from Walla Walla University and further studies at Andrews and Walden Universities—there’s a solid academic backing behind his strategies. Lopez isn’t just about keeping the ship steady; he’s all about steering it into uncharted but promising waters.
Bottom line? Buckle up. PASCO’s future could hold some exciting changes and growth, all aimed at getting more students worldwide feeling that same pulse of discovery that Lopez himself champions. Expect him to shake hands, build bridges, and, ultimately, deliver on the promise that science education isn’t just crucial—it’s transformative.
