Davin Diaz has been hired as campaign manager for the planned Hanford Reach Interpretive Center in Richland.

He'll be responsible forhelping raise the additional$20 million needed for the center. About $24 million has been raised so far.

"Diaz's energy and enthusiasm, coupled with his experiences in campaign management and his love of history are a sure formula for success," Reach executive director Kimberly Camp wrote in a memo.

Diaz was a campaign di-rector with the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, helping establish a program in San Bernardino, Calif.

He also was the Stringfellow Archives director for the organization, creating exhibits and co-editing a book.

He moved to Kennewick in September to be closer to friends and family.

Diaz said he was impressed with the level of excitement and the leadership dedicated to The Reach.

"It's a very ambitious project, a very doable project," he said.

He clearly remembers his first visit to a science museum as a preteen and wants to be part of creating the same experience for Mid-Columbia students at The Reach, he said.

The 61,000-square-foot interpretive center is intended to serve as a gateway to the Hanford Reach National Monument, as well as highlight the natural history of the region and Hanford's role in ending World War II and winning the Cold War.