Meet Brandan Lanman: McWane Science Center’s New CEO Is Here—and He Brought Trail Mix

We’ve got exciting news at McWane Science Center: a new chapter is beginning, and it’s led by someone who knows exactly how to spark curiosity (and choose the right snack for the occasion). Meet Brandan Lanman, who officially stepped into the role of CEO on May 27, 2025. 

Brandan brings nearly 20 years of experience in science education, museum leadership, and exhibit design to the McWane team. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Visitor Experience at Orlando Science Center, where he helped launch projects like KidsTown and the STEM Discovery Center and led strategic efforts to make hands-on STEM learning more accessible to the community. 

 Before his museum career took off, Brandan studied physics and astronomy at Butler University in Indiana and began his journey in science as a physics teacher. He’s a nationally respected voice in the science center field and a creative force known for pairing strategic vision with a love of experimentation. 

 To help you get to know the person behind the position, we asked Brandan a few fun questions—and he didn’t disappoint. Keep reading for a quick Q&A with our new CEO! 

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🎤Q&A with Brandan Lanman 

Q: What’s your go-to snack during a busy workday?
Brandan: Go to snacks are dependent on the company. If I am alone, Cheetos are THE best, but no one wants cheese dust on their fingers in public. So, when I am around company, I like a good trail mix. However, M&M’s are a must-have component. 

Q: What’s a favorite field trip memory from your own school days?
Brandan: Growing up in central Indiana, I got to visit some amazing cultural destinations. However, my single favorite was always the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. I can remember, quite vividly, staring at the massive glass water clock in their grand lobby, and when the clock reset and all the water rushed to the bottom, I was beyond fascinated. Truly blew my young mind how it all worked. I could have watched it operate all day. 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Brandan: My favorite bit of advice that I have received is quite simple: do what you say you are going to do. 

Q: Tell us a bit more about your family!
Brandan: My partner, Alicia, and I met while working at the Orlando Science Center over 10 years ago, and I am a proud step-dad to our son Elliot, who is in middle school. We also have a rescue pup named Sir Didymus. 

What’s Next for McWane? 

Brandan joins McWane at a transformational moment. In addition to celebrating our 27-year legacy, we’re renovating our lobby with the suspension of Alabama’s state fossil, the Basilosaurus, launching our terrapin conservation exhibit in conjunction with UAB, and expanding our STEM outreach programs across the Southeast. 

As McWane’s Board Chair, Harrison Bishop, put it:
“We’ve spent the last 25+ years changing lives through science and wonder. Now, with Brandan at the helm, we’re ready to make our impact even bigger.” 

We couldn’t agree more. 

Welcome to Birmingham, Brandan! We’re so glad to have you leading the charge into McWane’s next big adventure—and don’t worry, we’ll make sure to keep trail mix on deck! 

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