Wayne LaBar joined Cape Fear Museum of History and Science as director in July 2021. He is an experienced, senior-level museum executive and the founder and principal of ALCHEMY studio. His work focuses on engaging audiences using authentic artifacts and interactive phenomena to facilitate learning, transport visitors out of the ordinary and create memories that last a lifetime. Immersive environments, emotional relevance and focus on impact toward a better future are the hallmarks of Wayne’s approach to the museum field.
Wayne previously worked at Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, The Tech Center of Innovation in San Jose, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, Powerhouse/MakerLab in Durango and Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over 30 years-experience as a recognized thought leader and innovator in the world of museums, science centers and their educational experiences. Wayne is the past President of the Board of the National Association for Museum Exhibition, the largest organization in the world dedicated to exhibitions, under the auspices of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).