Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Kiewit Luminarium
January 8, 2025 – Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Mathew Sinclair as the new CEO of Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha, NE. Linda Brandl, who has been serving as interim CEO, will continue to lead the organization until Sinclair assumes his position in February. “Mat Sinclair is an outstanding leader with a strong track record of building collaborative, community-focused initiatives,” said Trent Demulling, chair of Kiewit Luminarium’s board of directors. “His passion for creating hands-on, meaningful experiences in science and technology makes him the ideal CEO to drive Kiewit Luminarium’s mission forward.”
Mr. Sinclair brings more than 30 years of experience in museum leadership, strategic planning and community engagement. He began his career at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, where he spent more than a decade in several key leadership roles, ultimately serving as vice president of education. During his tenure, he oversaw a $10 million annual budget and led programs that significantly expanded the museum’s reach and impact, including the introduction of a “Total Guest Experience” philosophy that shaped exhibits and operations.
Most recently, Mr. Sinclair served as president and CEO of the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno. Under his executive leadership, The Discovery doubled its attendance, exhibits and earned income while evolving into a nationally recognized hub for hands-on STEM learning. Mr. Sinclair also spearheaded innovative initiatives, such as a statewide feasibility study for expanding science outreach programs and establishing a non-profit peer coaching network for local leaders.
Under Mr. Sinclair’s leadership, Kiewit Luminarium will continue developing interactive exhibits, enhancing statewide outreach programs and fostering collaborations that emphasize the importance of STEM education. He will guide Kiewit Luminarium into its next phase of innovation and outreach. “I am honored to join Kiewit Luminarium and look forward to working with our dedicated team, volunteers and community partners,” he said. “My goal is to cultivate a dynamic environment where curiosity thrives and visitors of all ages can discover the transformative power of science and technology.”
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Saint Louis Zoo
The Kiewit Luminarium is an innovative community space and learning environment that is part workshop, part museum. It serves as a dynamic space where people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds can explore extraordinary phenomena at the intersection of science, art, and human perception through interactive displays and engaging exhibits.
Proven Search Consultants
Shelli Herman and Associates Inc. serves trailblazing clients across the corporate, non-profit, and higher education sectors. The firm’s long roster of clients includes the Annenberg Foundation; the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation; BENlabs; The Capital Group Companies/American Funds Distributors; City Year, Los Angeles; the Fresno Chaffee Zoo; the Griffith Observatory Foundation; Jewish Family Service LA; Laguna College of Art and Design; Loyola Marymount University; Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; P.S. ARTS; the Saint Louis Zoo; Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County; the University of California System; the Whitney Museum of American Art; and YWCA Greater Los Angeles.
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO for the Santa Barbara Zoo
Following a comprehensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Charles Hopper as the new president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. He will succeed Rich Block, retiring in January 2025 after 26 years of leadership. “Finding someone to succeed Rich Block was no small task,” said Jim Jackson, vice chair of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s board of directors and head of the transition committee. “Rich has left an indelible mark on the Zoo, and it was vital for us to find a leader who could build on that legacy while charting a bold path forward. Charles rose to the top of our list because of his impressive leadership background, ability to connect with communities, and passion for conservation and education. We believe he is the right person to lead the zoo into its next era.”
Shelli Herman, who has more than 25 years of executive recruitment experience, has a strong record of leading searches and building upper management teams for a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies. She has completed senior-level assignments in many industries, including consumer products, healthcare, high technology, and finance, as well as for non-profit, conservation, and cultural organizations. Additionally, she brings an in-depth understanding of the unique cultural environment of academia that was gained while she held significant management positions at the University of Florida and Loyola Marymount University.
Shelli Herman and Associates recently placed Megan Longo as the new senior vice president of guest experience, brand, and revenue of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. With a national search led by Shelli Herman and Associates, Ms. Longo emerged as the top choice, bringing expertise in customer-centric leadership, communications and strategic operations. “We are excited to have Megan as the architect behind a brand that our community equates with how we deliver on our mission of inspiring, educating and engaging people to have a better appreciation of animals and their habitats,” said Luis Padilla, president and CEO. “Join us in welcoming Megan as we embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and opportunity.”
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Dallas Zoo
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
