Executive Team
Dr. Ray Vandiver
President and CEO
Born and raised in the St. Louis area, Dr. Ray Vandiver returned to his hometown in February 2025 to serve as President and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. In this role, he leads a dedicated team committed to executing the organization’s strategic plan and advancing its mission: to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.
With more than 30 years of experience in science and children’s museums, Ray has transformed institutions through strategic leadership, impactful community engagement, and innovative informal science experiences. His passion for science education began at an early age, fueled by family visits to the McDonnell Planetarium, an experience that helped shape his lifelong dedication to informal science learning.
Ray’s academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in physics from Saint Louis University and master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Missouri University of Science and Technology. His early career in physics research eventually led him to the world of science centers, where he discovered a passion for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make science accessible to all.
Prior to joining the Science Center, Ray served for over 12 years as the founding Executive Director of Discovery Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he led the transformation of a small start-up museum into a nationally recognized institution. Before that, he was Vice President of the Center for Learning Experiences at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), overseeing one of the nation’s leading exhibits and science education programs. He also served as founding Executive Director of the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Missouri, demonstrating his expertise in growing and sustaining science-based institutions.
Now at the helm of the Science Center, Ray is focused on expanding innovation, accessibility, and collaboration—ensuring that the institution remains a leading force in inspiring curiosity and discovery for future generations.
Bobby Sanderson
Chief Institutional Advancement Officer
Bringing more than 15 years of combined experience with Zoo Museum District institutions, Bobby Sanderson joined the Saint Louis Science Center as Chief Institutional Advancement Officer in June 2023. He and his team are responsible for managing the Science Center’s philanthropic strategies and accomplishing the institution’s goals for development, membership and community stewardship. Sanderson is an advocate for cultivating strong board leadership and its critical role in advocating for support.
Prior to the Science Center, Sanderson directed the fundraising efforts for two of St. Louis’ iconic institutions and served in marketing and sales roles at several organizations throughout the community. As Director of Campaigns and Major Gifts and Interim Director of Development at the Saint Louis Art Museum, he was responsible for establishing individual giving programs and growing the Museum’s support through major gifts, annual funds and endowment programs, while stewarding those donors who supported the Museum’s $162 million campaign. Before that, he served as Director of Major Gifts for the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Sanderson earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University in St. Louis.
Phillip Leachman
Vice President of Operations
Philip Leachman leads the Science Center’s Security, Engineering, Building Services, and Operations teams, along with our sustainability efforts. He joined the organization in July 2024, bringing more than 12 years of experience in operational and engineering leadership roles with Procter & Gamble.
Philip has worked in manufacturing/facilities operations management, manufacturing plant sustainability management, initiative project management and manufacturing platform technology management.
Philip attended University of Kentucky completing the Scholars in Engineering and Management (SEAM) Leadership Program and earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and co-leader of his local community garden.
Mindy Peirce
Vice President of Brand and Guest Experience
Mindy Peirce leads the Science Center’s Marketing & Communications, Guest Services, and OMNIMAX® and Featured Experiences teams. In this role, she strives to ensure the Science Center is welcoming to all, both out in the community and inside the building. She also serves as the liaison for the Science Center’s Museum Enterprises Board Committee.
Mindy joined the Science Center in 2015, after serving as the director of communications for the Gateway Region YMCA.
Prior to that, Mindy has worked for and represented international and national brands in various roles, from public relations and social media to brand consulting, including Save-A-Lot Food Stores, Energizer, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Panera Bread, Anheuser-Busch, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Mindy has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis on public relations from Webster University.
Dr. Becky Thompson
Vice President of Science and Education
Becky Thompson leads the Science Center’s Science & Education team, which includes galleries, exhibits, collections and more.
Becky joined us in 2024 from the Fermi National Accelerator Lab, where she served as the Head of Education and Public Engagement.
After receiving her Ph.D. in physics from the University of Texas at Austin, she joined the staff of American Physical Society where she led their public engagement efforts for 11 years. While there she authored the popular Spectra, The Laser Superhero series of physics comic books. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the Sigma Xi honors society. Her first book, Fire, Ice, and Physics; The Science of Game of Thrones, was released in October 2019.
Becky was recently named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Lamara D. Warren, Ph.D.
Vice President of Community Engagement
Lamara D. Warren brings more than 25 years of leadership in higher education to her role overseeing the Saint Louis Science Center’s inaugural Community Engagement division. Her portfolio spans on-site community events, the volunteer program, financial aid and scholarship access, research and evaluation, youth STEM programming, and outreach to community partners across the St. Louis region.
Before joining the Science Center, Lamara served as Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Indiana University’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, where she built and led initiatives that meaningfully grew enrollment and retention among underrepresented students in computing and engineering fields. That same instinct for building programs with staying power, not just good intentions, continues to shape how she leads in St. Louis.
Lamara holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs and a Post-Masters Certificate in Institutional Research from Indiana University Bloomington, along with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a proud diamond life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a graduate of FOCUS Leadership St. Louis, where she continues to invest in the civic life of the region she now calls home.
A proud self-described Blerd, Lamara’s curiosity stretches well beyond the office, from medical dramas and the science of human biology to the latest developments in genetics, biotechnology, and forensic science, interests that fuel her belief that STEM should reflect the full range of people and perspectives who love it.
Lamara believes science belongs to everyone, and she works every day to make sure the Saint Louis Science Center reflects that belief in every program, partnership, and community connection it makes.
Mark Johnson
Interim Vice President of Finance
Mark Johnson leads the Science Center’s financial, administrative and technology functions. In this role, he serves as the liaison with the finance and auditing committees of the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners and manages the preparation of the museum’s annual audited financial statements and annual operating budget.
Johnson first joined the Science Center team in 2021, serving as the Managing Director of Finance and Controller. Prior to the Science Center, he served as the Controller for the Jewish Community Center and the Controller and Cost Accountant for Dow Screw Products, both located in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Truman State University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University.
