The board of directors of Kiewit Luminarium has announced Mathew “Mat” Sinclair as its new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 18.

Sinclair brings more than 30 years of experience in museum leadership, strategic planning and community engagement, according to a statement released by the board Monday. He is tasked with guiding the Luminarium into its next phase of innovation and outreach.

“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.”

Linda Brandl has been serving as interim CEO since August when Silva Raker left the job. The Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Drive, opened in April of 2023.

People are also reading…

Built by donors at a cost of $107 million, the museum has become part of the wider, $450 million riverfront makeover, including the adjacent Lewis & Clark Landing. It offers 125 hands-on, interactive gee-whiz exhibits, each exploring concepts of natural and social sciences, biology, engineering and math.

“I am honored to join Kiewit Luminarium and look forward to working with our dedicated team, volunteers and community partners,” Sinclair said in the statement from the board. “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.”

The board's statement said that the Kiewit Luminarium will continue developing interactive exhibits, enhancing statewide outreach programs and fostering collaborations that emphasize the importance of STEM education.

Sinclair 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, Sinclair served as president and CEO of the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno, Nevada. 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. 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.

Photos: Luminarium brings traveling tactile exhibit “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope”

A visitor interacts with one of the displays at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

Alex Rickard listens to one of the audio descriptions at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

One of the tactile images at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

Caetano Marcelino listens to one of the audio descriptions at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

From left, Kelly and Alex Rickard interact with one of the displays at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

Headphones sit on one of the displays at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

Caetano Marcelino interacts with one of the tactile images at “Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This traveling tactile exhibition encourages visitors to interact with the tactile images and learn about the wonders of the universe through touch and sound.

The business news you need

Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.