MIDLAND On October 1, Kathy Shannon officially retired from the Petroleum Museum as its Executive Director, a news release said. She came to the Museum in 1995 as the Director of Education. With the addition of the Transportation Wing, Kathy led the Museum’s education focus toward science, capitalizing on the scientific principles the Chaparral Cars exhibit embodies. She was chosen to lead the Museum as Executive Director in November 2004.
Under her leadership the Museum opened its Education Hall, giving education programs a dedicated space to prosper. The Mineral Gallery was added in 2012, highlighting beautiful mineral specimens from across the globe and deepening the Museum’s focus on geology. In 2016, the Museum celebrated its grand opening of its updated petroleum exhibits, an $18 million renovation of its east and north galleries. She was presented the President’s Award from Texas Association of Museum’s for the project. In August 2023, the Museum’s STEAM Education Center opened as a state-of-the-art STEAM education facility.
Kathy has served as a leader in the Museum community as well as the Permian Basin community. She has served on the board of the Texas Association of Museums and was president of the Association from 2011-2012. Prior to that, she served on TAMEC, the Texas Association of Museums Education Committee and on the Permian Basin Museum Association. She has continually prioritized education by serving on the Trinity School Board and collaborating with the Texas Education Agency on revising the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) through the Texas Energy Council.
“It has been such a privilege and an honor to represent the Petroleum Museum for the last 28 years. I have been blessed with an amazing board and a talented staff and together we have done great things to advocate for the industry and enhance education in our community. I know the Museum faces an exciting future and will continue to grow and be an important part of our community,” Shannon said in the release.
The Museum’s future will be led by new Executive Director, Bryan Grant. Bryan has been the Director of Rentals at the Petroleum Museum since 2020. “It has been a privilege to learn and grow under Kathy’s leadership during my time at the Museum,” said Grant in the release. “I look forward to working alongside our staff and board of directors to move the Museum forward into its next chapter while continuing to fulfill our mission to share the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our lives.”
Bryan’s previous experience includes 20+ years in operations and management supporting executives, sales personnel, and managers to foster positive customer relationships and improve internal operations for small businesses. During his time as Director of Rentals at the Museum, he has built lasting relationships with customers and businesses, worked collaboratively with other departments, and increased rental income to support the Museum.
Kathy Shannon has been the driving force behind the mission and growth of the Petroleum Museum for nearly thirty years. The Museum and the community owe a lot to her steadfast leadership and advocacy. As she retires, she seems confident about leaving her legacy in the capable hands of her staff, board of directors, and new executive director. Kathy stated, “I am excited about the future of the Museum and I know that under Bryan’s direction, the Museum will continue to grow and prosper.”
