KIDSTREAM ANNOUNCES MAY 2026 GRAND OPENING, NEW LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

kidSTREAM Board of Directors Appoints Nationally Recognized Museum Leader and

Interim CEO Barry Van Deman.

CAMARILLO, California, April 9, 2026 - The kidSTREAM Board of Directors has announced a leadership transition designed to carry the museum through its upcoming Grand Opening this May and into its first chapter of daily operations. To support the organization during this pivotal move from construction to daily operations, the Board has secured nationally recognized museum leader and Certified Interim Executive Barry Van Deman as Interim CEO.

"The strength of kidSTREAM has always been in how so many people have come together to bring this vision to life to impact children in Ventura County and beyond," said Bryan Yee, kidSTREAM Board Chair. "Our Inaugural Executive Director, Michael Shanklin, has been recruited to lead The Thinkery in Austin, Texas, a prestigious national appointment that validates the quality of leadership kidSTREAM has cultivated. While individuals have made their mark, this vision has grown to be bigger than any one of us. That collective posture is how we enter our next chapter as an open and operating children's museum. We are incredibly impressed with the team Michael has built, our dedicated board members, both past and present, and our partners across the community who have brought us to this point. As we open our doors, we recognize this is not the end of a project, but just the beginning. The best is truly yet to come".

The transition comes at a moment of high momentum for kidSTREAM. Van Deman brings decades of specialized experience in navigating institutional growth and museum launches. Most recently, he served as the CEO of the nonprofit organization now operating La Nube STEAM Discovery Center in El Paso, Texas. In this role, he worked in close partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation to launch the startup organization and provide executive oversight during the construction of its four-story facility as well as the fabrication and installation of its world-class exhibits. His deep roots in the field include serving as Vice President of the Board for the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and as a former Section Head for Informal Science Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where he managed a $70 million annual budget for national science initiatives.

Shanklin, who will remain involved in the project through the Grand Opening, reflected on the community effort that defined his tenure.

“From the moment I learned about kidSTREAM, I fell in love with the project and quickly saw the critical value of a children's museum that would serve the children of Ventura County and beyond,” said Shanklin. “Our work was always driven by the community and for the community. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to everyone who provided their time, talent, and treasure to this project that will help children reach their potential. The strength of our organization is rooted in the passion and commitment of our staff, board, and stakeholders. I know that Barry's incredible dedication and experience will help kidSTREAM as we cross the opening finish line together.”

In addition to his work at La Nube, Van Deman’s background includes 17 years as President and CEO of the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC, and a senior role in the on-time, on-budget opening of the Orlando Science Center. Most recently, he served as Interim CEO at the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica, providing him with a unique understanding of the Southern California museum landscape.

"kidSTREAM is moving from its founding stage to its operational stage with a remarkably clear sense of purpose," said kidSTREAM Interim CEO Van Deman. "I am here to support a team that is already performing at a very high level. Together, we will ensure that the transition to a permanent CEO is handled with the same thoughtfulness and care that has characterized this project since day one".

As construction concludes and kidSTREAM finalizes its mid-May opening, the Board of Directors has formally initiated a national search for a permanent CEO. This search is being conducted from a position of organizational strength, ensuring kidSTREAM identifies a long-term leader to build upon this historic foundation to serve families across the region for generations to come.

For more information about kidSTREAM Children's Museum, visit www.kidstream.org.

About kidSTREAM

kidSTREAM is a children’s museum, opening its doors in May 2026 in Ventura County. With a focus on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (the “STREAM” in kidSTREAM), this children’s museum inspires curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills in young learners. Because early childhood educational experiences can change a child’s life trajectory, kidSTREAM is committed to access for all children, regardless of socioeconomic, physical, developmental and emotional ability. Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, the museum will provide an engaging environment where kids explore, play, and discover.

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