The Team
The Schroeder Family Exploreum is run by a board, paid staff, and volunteer committee members.
Our Board
Audie Dennis
Board President, Retired (Boyd Metals)
Stephanie Bradshaw
Board Vice-President, Freeman Health System
Shelly Kraft
Board Treasurer, Kraft Insurance
Kitty Ward
Board Secretary, Retired (Joplin R-8 Schools)
Paula Baker
Board Member, Retired (Freeman Health System)
Chad Greer
Board Member, CGA Architects
Nathan Gurley
Board Member, Copeland and Brown Law Firm
Lindsay Kubicek
Board Member, Forvis Mazars US
Jackie Kennedy
Board Member, Ducommun Incorporated
Logan Stanley
Board Member, Edward Jones Advisors
Jamie Strickland
Board Member, Southwest Missouri Bank
Clive Veri
Board Member, Commerce Bank
Our Staff
Neely Myers
Executive Director
Ali Doll
Social Media and Events Director
Committees
Education/Exhibits Committee
The Education/Exhibits Committee plans and executes the structure of exhibits floor space and exhibit layout as well as ensuring that exhibits and programming align with Missouri Learning Standards.
Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee supports marketing and promotional duties for the science center. This encompasses all aspects related to the center, including the facility itself, its diverse programs, marketing partnerships, social media presence, and website promotion.
Turkey Trot Committee
The Turkey Trot Committee organizes our annual Thanksgiving morning fundraiser, bringing more than 1,500 runners downtown for a beloved community tradition. Year after year, it has grown into a meaningful family event that combines fitness, fun, and giving back.
STEAM Day Task Force
The STEAM Day Task Force plans our annual STEAM Festival. The STEAM Festival s a chance to celebrate science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. We get to engage, excite, and inspire the imagination of what STEAM-related careers are, and what they offer.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee defines, reviews, and monitors spending policies for the organization consistent with the organization’s long-term goals, and reviews and monitors the organization’s budget.
Programs Committee
The Programs Committee plans programming and hands-on experiencial learning that promotes STEAM, engaging community members of all ages with activities that inspire, excite, educate, and elicit, then answer questions like how and why.
Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council is a group of motivated youth who collaborate with staff to shape programs, exhibits, and events that engage their peers. Members gain leadership experience, contribute fresh perspectives, and help ensure the center remains relevant.
Governance Committee
To Governance Committee monitors and makes recommendations to the Board regarding compliance and governance to include but not be limited to, annual meetings, reports, audits, and appropriate paperwork.