December 1, 2023 – Da Vinci Science Center is honored to announce that Lehigh Valley Business has selected Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of Da Vinci Science Center as an Icon Honors recipient. 

Icon Honors recognizes Greater Lehigh Valley business leaders over the age of 60 who have left an indelible mark on their fields and whose integrity, vision and selfless service have lifted up the community.  

Erickson has spearheaded Da Vinci Science Center’s development since returning as CEO in 2013; she served as its Executive Director previously from 1997-2005. The award-winning Da Vinci Science Center had a record-breaking year in 2023, welcoming over 160,000 visitors and program participants. Today, Erickson is the driving force behind the building of the new $75 million Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, slated to open in the spring of 2024 in downtown Allentown.  

Erickson’s commitment to the community has contributed to strong educational and community relationships and established the Science Center as a fundamental community partner as it prepares to open a new facility in the heart of Allentown. Most recently, she led the formation of an innovative partnership with the Allentown School District (ASD) that will provide ASD students with state-of-the-art immersive learning experiences in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, or STREAM, at the soon-to-open Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion in downtown Allentown and will expand ASD capacity for next generation science teaching and learning.  Prior to working at the Da Vinci Science Center, Erickson held leadership roles at the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University and Northampton Community College where she spearheaded the development of industry education partnerships to advance workforce competitiveness. 

Erickson is one of 23 honorees who were chosen by the Lehigh Valley Business editors.  

“I am humbled to have a place on this list of accomplished  community leaders. I have been blessed over the years to work with incredibly dedicated trustees and staff who make me look good. Thank you to the editors at Lehigh Valley Business for affording me this honor, , but also recognizing the contributions of so many individuals who are devoted to the greater Lehigh Valley region.”  

This year’s Icon Honors recipients were recognized Nov. 30 at an awards celebration at the Aster Ballroom/Hyatt Hotel in Allentown. A complete list of winners can be found at lvb.com/event/icon-honors/.     

“This year’s Icon Honors recipients represent a level of professional achievement and community awareness and action that is truly remarkable. What they focus their attention on really matters; what they say is important; and what they do makes a difference for many of us in the Lehigh Valley and beyond,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Lehigh Valley Business. “They are truly the leaders all of us want to emulate, and we at Lehigh Valley Business congratulate them on this honor.”