Thinkery is pleased to announce that Michael Shanklin has been named our new Chief Executive Officer.
Following a thoughtful national search, he emerged as the leader best positioned to guide Thinkery, building on the strong foundation already in place while leading our continued growth and impact across Central Texas.
For more than four decades, Thinkery — Austin’s only nonprofit children’s museum — has been part of Austin’s story. Generations of children and families have walked through our doors, discovering, creating, and building confidence through playful STEAM learning experiences. As Austin grows, so does the role Thinkery plays in supporting families and shaping the next generation. Michael brings experience that both honors this legacy and helps expand our impact for years to come.
Michael has more than two decades of leadership experience in children’s museums, with a background in education, STEAM learning, and community-centered programming. He believes children’s museums are essential community spaces that spark joy, creativity, and connection. Throughout his career, he has led organizations through periods of growth and transformation, including revitalizing museums in Tyler, Texas, and across Utah and Oklahoma. Most recently, he helped open a new early childhood museum in California while strengthening partnerships across the region.
Thinkery remains the vibrant space families know and love. With Michael’s leadership, we will continue investing in joyful, innovative, play-based STEAM learning experiences. You’ll begin to see this come to life in new and evolving experiences throughout the museum, creating even more opportunities for children and caregivers to explore, create, and connect together.
As a nonprofit, the support of our community makes this work possible. Thank you to the families who visit, become members, and share Thinkery with others. And thank you to our generous supporters, whose investment ensures that Thinkery remains a vital space for learning, creativity, and connection in Central Texas.
Join us in this next chapter.
Become a member to enjoy unlimited play and be part of a community that learns and grows together, or make a gift to help ensure all children can experience the joy of learning through play.