kidSTREAM Children's Museum Appoints Carina Reeves as President and CEO, Following Nationwide Search and Landmark Opening Season
Accomplished museum and public service executive steps in to lead Ventura County's new children's museum as it surpasses 40,000 visitors, expands programming, and launches new exhibits and outreach.
CAMARILLO, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a comprehensive nationwide search,
kidSTREAM Children's Museum announced today the appointment of Carina Reeves as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Nov. 2. Reeves steps into the role bringing a distinguished career of executive leadership navigating complex organizational growth, immersive museum design, and impactful community collaboration.
Reeves most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer for the Department of the Navy's premier engineering and technology command at Port Hueneme, and previously held the role of Chief Learning Officer, where she directed enterprise learning and workforce strategy across national technical and defense commands. Her extensive background in cultural and public institutions includes launching the educational outreach department at the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum to secure national accreditation, as well as managing front-of-house operations and volunteer infrastructures at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and educational programming at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Deeply committed to the local community, Reeves previously helped shape kidSTREAM's governance and strategic growth as a board member and governance committee chair. Reeves holds a master's degree from the George Washington University School of Business.
Reeves takes the helm during a period of extraordinary momentum for the recently opened children's museum. Since opening the doors of its indoor-outdoor campus at the former Camarillo Library site on May 21, 2026, kidSTREAM has welcomed over 40,000 visitors from across Ventura County and beyond, and enabled over 4,000 donor-subsidized access visits to ensure equity for children who otherwise would not have had such opportunities. Building on this initial success, the museum's frontline team has already rolled out new interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, school field trips, and mobile outreach initiatives, bringing experiential STREAM learning directly to children and caregivers across the region.
Reflecting on her new role and the museum's trajectory, Reeves stated: "Advancing kidSTREAM's mission has always sparked profound joy for me. My work has focused on building spaces that inspire critical thinking and lifelong learning, and stepping into the President and CEO role is the ultimate realization of my passion. kidSTREAM was built by this community, for this community. In our first few months, we've seen firsthand how eager our region is for these experiences. I am thrilled to lead our next phase of growth, fostering vital cross-sector partnerships with local organizations, and ensuring that every child in our region has a place to explore, play, and discover."
Kristie Akl, Founder and Past President of kidSTREAM, highlighted the significance of this milestone: "Carina believed in kidSTREAM long before she had a title here. She helped us exponentially expand our STREAM outreach because she understood what we were trying to build and why it mattered. She brings a rare combination of integrity, joy, and visionary leadership to this role. As the founder, it's incredibly gratifying to see the next chapter of kidSTREAM entrusted to someone who has already helped write its story."
Bryan Yee, Board Chair of kidSTREAM, shared his perspective on the transition and momentum: "This is a defining moment for kidSTREAM. As fellow parents of young children whose kids have volunteered side by side, I have experienced firsthand how deeply Carina champions our mission. She brings an extraordinary blend of executive discipline and an authentic passion for hands-on, playful discovery. The board is united and energized behind her leadership. Alongside our remarkably talented team, Carina will build on our tremendous opening momentum, delivering on our mission to bring curiosity, creativity, and transformative early learning experiences to children and families across our region."
For more information about kidSTREAM Children's Museum, including hours, newly launched programs and a calendar of events, visit www.kidstream.org.
About kidSTREAM Children's Museum:
kidSTREAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit children's museum that opened its doors on May 21, 2026 in Ventura County. With a focus on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (the "STREAM" in kidSTREAM), this children's museum inspires curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills in young learners. Because early childhood educational experiences can change a child's life trajectory, kidSTREAM is committed to access for all children, regardless of socioeconomic, physical, developmental and emotional ability. Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, the museum provides an engaging environment where kids explore, play, and discover.
Media Contact:
Shahrzad Ehya, Director of Operations
kidSTREAM Children's Museum
(805) 384-5437
SOURCE kidSTREAM Children's Museum
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