Alexander “Xander” Hazel joined the Champaign Center Partnership in March 2020 as Executive Director. Originally from a very rural town in Indiana, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Earlham College in Richmond, IN, and earned a master’s degree in entomology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Xander has several years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector where he has held positions as the events & engagement coordinator and eventually acting executive director at the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum in Champaign, IL, secretary of the board for the Champaign Center Partnership, co-chair for the Champaign-Urbana chapter of the Emerging Museum Professionals, and stewards council co-chair for the Graduate Employees’ Organization AFT/IFT 6300. He is excited to bring a fresh, data-driven perspective to propel the CCP forward. Xander proudly serves on the UIUC Homecoming Committee, NAWC Welcoming Week Committee, and Champaign County Bike Month Committee.
Xander has called Champaign home since 2014. He lives in downtown with his too-many-to-count houseplants and pets. He enjoys the diverse cultures and entertainment that the Champaign community has to offer. For instance, you may encounter him enjoying drinks downtown or exploring the natural areas throughout the Midwest.