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Kathy Shannon retired as the Executive Director for the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas in March 2024. After many years as a volunteer in several museums in Midland, she began her paid career in the museum world in 1995 as Director of Education at the Petroleum Museum. In 2004, she was selected as Executive Director. Kathy oversaw and completed significant projects for the Museum. In 2006, the Education Hall opened giving the Museum a designated space for education programs. In 2012, the Museum opened its beautiful Mineral Gallery, featuring over 90 mineral specimens from around the world. The gallery contains specimens from the Museum’s mineral collection and specimens on loan from several significant collectors in Texas. She completed an $18 million capital campaign that included renovation of the petroleum exhibits, office space and the library and archives space. Kathy oversaw and directed the story the Museum would tell in its 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. The renovated exhibits opened in 2016 and the remarkable story of petroleum history in the Permian Basin and the technological story of the petroleum industry was told to over 50,000 visitors in its first year. The Texas Association of Museums recognized this project with their 2016 President’s Award. In 2023 she completed her final project with the Museum, the opening of the Museum’s Education Building, a stand-alone structure that includes a remarkable education space, a large patio and outdoor area featuring a unique musical experience featuring Harmony Park musical instruments.

Kathy was fortunate to enter the Museum world at a time that museums were working hard to connect to their communities and their visitors. Informal learning was beginning to be recognized as a true resource for students. She worked to expand the Petroleum Museum’s educational opportunities for children with the focus on fun, hands-on learning opportunities. With the addition of the Transportation Wing in 2004, the Museum took advantage of the opportunity of expanding its science and technology programming for the community. Family Science Nights, Summer Science Classes and Camps and Scout Camp-ins all offered area children opportunities to experience the Museum and experience a variety of science-based topics.

With a vast background of volunteer experience as well, Kathy has served on several boards in her community including the Junior League of Midland, the Museum of the Southwest, Trinity School, and St. Nicholas Church. Kathy was also active with the Texas Association of Museum for many years, first serving as a Council member as a member of the Program committee and the ED Search Committee. She then served as Vice President of Programs and as President. She currently serves on the Trinity School of Midland Board of Trustees and is finishing a six month role as Interim Executive Director of the Museum of the Southwest.

Kathy was born and raised in Midland. She attended Trinity University and received her BFA from Texas Tech University. Her spare time now is often spent happily playing with her four grandchildren.