Fresh Faces of Philanthropy 2025: Fred Crumbo

Profession: Optical engineer, Huntington Ingalls Industries

Nonprofit: Adventure Science Center

In the words of Fred Crumbo, an Adventure Science Center board member, “Science isn’t meant to be easy — it’s meant to be an adventure.”

The museum first opened in 1945 as the Children’s Museum of Nashville to inspire children to learn and explore the world around them. After decades of evolution, the center now works to nurture young minds and help children develop a love for science and technology. “Adventure Science Center is one of the only places [in Nashville] a young person can go to be inspired by science and technology outside the classroom without an expensive price tag,” says Fred.

Fred’s relationship with the Adventure Science Center began when he was very young. (One recently unearthed incident report documents the story of 3-year-old Fred “adventuring” a little too hard at the museum.) While Fred may have grown out of his rambunctious childhood energy, his passion for science and technology never waned. 

After attending Harding Academy and graduating from the University School of Nashville, Fred earned a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering from the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics. He now works with Huntington Ingalls Industries engineering defense laser systems. “I think my predisposition to laser engineering might make it obvious why I’m directing energy toward a science museum,” Fred says. “And yes — that is a laser joke.”

Fred credits his current role at the Adventure Science Museum to his fiancée, Jodi Felts, who encouraged him to get started with the Young Leaders Council. This led to Fred taking an internship on the museum’s board, which he’ll officially transition onto later this year.

As Nashville grows — and technology companies like Oracle and Amazon move resources to the city — Fred hopes the Adventure Science Center will rank among the elite science museums in the nation, fostering future leaders in science and technology.