Kids Discovery Factory adds two new board members

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Kids Discovery Factory (KDF) in Batesville is welcoming two new members to its Board of Directors. 

KDF says Eric Prickel and John Christie both bring professional expertise, community involvement, and a genuine interest in creating opportunities for young people.

Prickel brings more than a decade of executive leadership experience in the automotive industry and currently works as Customer Quality Champion for Valeo General Motors. 

Christie brings more than 22 years of engineering and product design experience from his career with Hill-Rom and Baxter. Throughout his career designing medical products, Christie has been named on more than 50 patents. 

He has also served as a Destination Imagination team manager and assisted with set design for school plays.

“As we prepare to open our permanent museum, their leadership and perspectives will be incredibly valuable in helping KDF grow into a lasting resource for children and families throughout our region,” said KDF executive director Emili Uden.

The two new board members join KDF as the opening of their new three-story museum in Batesville approaches. 

The museum will provide hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, math, creativity, and imaginative play while serving children, families, schools, and community organizations from across southeastern Indiana and the surrounding tri-state region.

Construction is ongoing on the new museum which is expected to open in early 2027.