StaffInspiring a Deeper Interest in Science and Technology

Adam Smith

Adam Smith has served as President and CEO of Exploration Place since November 2019. During his tenure, the museum has strengthened its financial position, increased attendance, and advanced a major campus expansion that includes a large-scale outdoor adventure playscape.

Adam has had a lifelong passion for museums and has worked in them since the age of 18. He has held senior leadership roles at institutions in both the United States and the United Kingdom, including the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego, the Commemorative Air Force in Dallas, the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, and the National Museum of Flight in Scotland.

Originally from England and now a U.S. citizen, Adam holds a postgraduate diploma in Museum and Gallery Studies from the University of St Andrews and a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Leeds. He currently serves on the boards of Visit Wichita, the Giant Screen Cinema Association, and the Savvy Aviation Foundation. He is an instrument-rated pilot and currently flies a Vans RV-4.

Kent Shank

Kent has worked in the museum industry for more than 32 years, including more than 16 years at Exploration Place. He is responsible for the financial and human resource functions of the museum. Kent spent 16 years at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center as vice president of Finance and Human Resources, where he was responsible for the finance and human resource functions as well as many operations functions throughout his career there. Before Exploration Place, he worked for Via Christi Senior Services, Inc. as regional director of finance. Kent received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Kansas State University.

Laura Roddy

Laura joined Exploration Place in 2021 after five years in a similar role at Mark Arts. She is also a former president of the Junior League of Wichita and has worked as a contributing editor for The Journal of the Kansas Leadership Center, copy editor for the Dallas Morning News and public information officer for the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature.

Laura earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in communication from Wichita State University. She has been an Exploration Place member since 2006, spending countless hours enjoying the exhibits. Once, as a Girl Scout leader, she and her troop even camped out overnight in the Where Kids Rule exhibit.

Erin Manning, MBA

Erin Manning serves as Vice President of Marketing at Exploration Place, where she leads brand strategy, audience growth and experiential marketing across the museum’s programs, events and large-scale initiatives. Since joining the organization in 2021, she has played a key role in expanding Exploration Place’s visibility and reach through integrated marketing, community engagement and signature guest experiences.

In addition to overseeing the marketing team, Erin directs strategy for major public events, Dome programming and performances in the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, ensuring each experience reflects Exploration Place’s mission to inspire curiosity and discovery. Her work bridges storytelling, data-driven strategy and on-site experience design to connect with families, members and visitors across the region.

Erin’s leadership and impact have been recognized locally and regionally, including being named one of the 2026 Women Who Lead by the Wichita Business Journal and 2023 Marketer of the Year by the Wichita chapter of the American Marketing Association. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Wichita State University and a Master of Business Administration from Friends University.

linkedin.com/in/erinmanningmba

Garion Masterson

Garion Masterson joined Exploration Place in 2026 as Vice President of Experience & Learning, where he leads the teams responsible for creating meaningful, memorable experiences for guests across Visitor Services, the Explore Store, Food & Beverage and educational programming throughout the State of Kansas and at Exploration Place.

With a career rooted in live experiences and public engagement, Garion brings a passion for curiosity-driven learning and storytelling to his work. His background spans educational attractions, marketing, public relations and large-scale live events – fields united by a shared focus on connection, creativity and audience experience.

A proud small-town Kansas native from Clearwater, KS, Garion was a member of the original opening team at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Derby, Kansas, when the attraction debuted in 2018. As Associate Producer, he helped design and execute daily live content and guest experiences. He later became Managing Director in 2019, overseeing day-to-day operations, marketing, public relations, staffing, strategic planning and special events for the award-winning attraction.

Garion is an alumnus of Emporia State University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Music (Digital Audio Production) and Communication (Public Relations). During his time at ESU, he was deeply involved in campus life – serving in leadership roles across multiple student organizations, acting as Technical Director for the improv comedy troupe Zoiks! and stage managing more than 100 live events annually at the historic Albert Taylor Hall.

Following graduation, Garion returned to the Wichita area and joined RSM Marketing as an outsourced Marketing Director, where he sharpened his skills in brand strategy and business development. He partnered with clients across industries, including retail, food service, professional services and consumer goods – helping organizations clarify their message and connect authentically with their audiences.

Outside of work, Garion is married to his high school sweetheart and is a proud girl dad of two. He enjoys live events, board games, native plant gardening and any opportunity to bring people together. At heart, he is a relationship builder – driven by curiosity, collaboration and the belief that great experiences have the power to educate, inspire and unite communities.

Ashlie Brockleman

With a robust background in operations, business management and customer service, Ashlie is deeply committed to creating engaging experiences that leave a lasting impact on visitors and inspire her team to deliver excellence. Since joining Exploration Place in 2017, Ashlie has quickly risen through the ranks as Director of Visitor Services for two years and to her current role as Director of Events.

Known for her strategic approach and nurturing leadership style, Ashlie empowers her team to embrace innovation, creativity and curiosity in everything they do. Her people-first management philosophy has been instrumental in fostering team engagement and delivering high-quality service, particularly in dynamic, high-traffic environments.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ashlie is a dedicated community member. She previously served on the Citizens Advisory Board for Sedgwick County, collaborating on initiatives to benefit the local community. A proud graduate of Derby High School, Ashlie values giving back to the community she calls home.

Married and a proud mother of three daughters, Ashlie also embraces her role as a devoted Dog Mom to her furry companions. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments outdoors with family and friends, fostering meaningful connections and pursuing activities that reflect her adventurous spirit.

Dustin Hendricks

Dustin has been a part of the Exploration Place team since before the museum opened. He is a lifelong Wichitan and has more than 25 years of customer service experience. At Exploration Place, he oversees the museum’s facilities, grounds safety and security. His team plays an important role in the guest experience. Prior to becoming the Director of Facilities, Grounds & Security, he was the Director of Visitor Services for more than a decade and Visitor Services Manager for 10 years.

Erica Hoskinson

Erica joined the Exploration Place team as an Educator in 2017 and developed a love of hands-on STEM, especially the rich scientific history in Kansas. She has held various roles in the department and was promoted to Director of Education in 2024. She has a passion for hands-on STEM at the museum and in the community. Her goal for the Education Department is to keep improving all facets and to present the best science content possible in a fun and engaging way.

Erica graduated from Wichita State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. She is an active board member of the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair and was recognized as a 2024 Young Professional in Education by the Wichita Business Journal.

Victoria Mitchell

Victoria currently serves as Director of the EP2 Initiative at Exploration Place, where she leads the design and development of the museum’s major outdoor expansion. This multi-phase project includes the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, which opened in fall 2024, and the Destination Playscape, opening in Spring 2026. In this role, she oversees vision, strategy, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, guiding the project from early concept through implementation.

Since joining Exploration Place in 2014, Victoria has held several roles across the organization, from education to exhibits and programs, providing her with a deep understanding of the museum’s mission and operations. Her experience across departments informs her approach to large-scale planning, public engagement, and long-term institutional growth.

Brooke Rowzee

Brooke joined Exploration Place in 2021 after 10 years working in New York City. She has over a decade of experience in stage management, attraction management, and guest experiences. Prior to joining Exploration Place, Brooke worked at esteemed institutions like the Santa Fe Opera, Juilliard, Wicked: the Musical, the National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey and had the privilege of being Kathy Najimy’s personal assistant. She achieved a remarkable feat as the manager of two cutting-edge attractions, the Vessel and Edge at Hudson Yards, where she spearheaded the development of operational procedures, training programs, and guest experience processes.

Brooke’s passion for science ignited during her time as the Associate Director of New Jersey’s Field Station: Dinosaurs. This passion led her to dinosaur excavations with paleontologists and volunteering as a Fossil Explainer at the prestigious American Museum of Natural History. As Director of Exhibits, she will channel her passion for science to create memorable guest experiences through captivating, fun, and educational exhibits at Exploration Place.

Brooke earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.