Senior Leadership
- Cynthia Cardona, President & CEO
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BIO
Cynthia Cardona, President & CEO of Vulcan Park & Museum, is a native of Florida and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. and an M.A. in History. She has worked for over two decades in museums and arts organizations transitioning from roles focusing on collections management, operations, and administration. Beginning her career as Photo Archivist and later Curator of Collections at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, Cardona later served as Director of Operations for Art & History Museums-Maitland. Prior to joining the Vulcan Park & Museum in 2022, she served as Executive Director of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.
Cynthia previously served as Director of Operations for Vulcan Park & Museum in 2022 before being appointed as President & CEO in 2023.
- Samil Baker, Director of Marketing & Public Relations
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CONTACT
BIO
Samil Baker is the Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Vulcan Park and Museum, where she leads efforts to enhance the institution’s visibility and community engagement. With over a decade of experience spanning higher education, nonprofits, museums, zoos, and publishing, Samil has a proven track record in crafting and executing strategic communication initiatives that drive brand awareness and audience growth.
Before joining Vulcan Park and Museum, Samil held key positions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Zoo, Orange County Regional History Center & The Historical Society of Central Florida, Savannah Magazine, and Miami Dade College.
Samil holds multiple degrees, including an M.A. in Arts Administration from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and an M.A. in American Studies from The University of Alabama, where she also earned a B.A. in Studio Art & Painting. Known for building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, Samil’s work is marked by a commitment to ethical practices and a positive, forward-thinking approach.
- Pam Hamrick, Director of Museum Operations
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BIO
After gaining invaluable experience at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pamela Hamrick, a proud native of Birmingham, felt a strong call to return to her hometown and contribute her expertise to the cultural landscape of Birmingham. With a passion for showcasing the rich history and traditions of her community, she eagerly took on the responsibility of directing the museum operations at Vulcan Park and Museum.
As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), she serves as a chapter officer and committee chair, actively participating in preserving the historical legacy of the United States. Additionally, Pamela is a member of the esteemed First Families of South Carolina 1670-1700, a testament to her deep appreciation for her ancestral roots and historical lineage.
With her passion for history, unwavering dedication, and commitment to excellence, Pamela hopes to make a significant impact on preserving Birmingham’s heritage and promoting cultural understanding within her community.
- Macy Vinston Joe, Director of Development
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Bio
Macy Vinston Joe, CRFE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) is Director of Development for the Vulcan Park Foundation.
Staff
- Coleman Baxley, Collections Manager
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Bio
Coleman is originally from Dothan Al and moved to the Birmingham area in winter of 2020. He started out with Vulcan Park & Museum as a volunteer before moving to Collections Assistant, and now he serves as Collections Manager. Coleman graduated from The University of Alabama with his Bachelor of Arts in both History and American Studies. While attending U.A, he did an internship with Druid City Pride and assisted in operating their Pride Festival.
- Ali Chambers, Campaign Assistant
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- Jennifer Chandler, Community Outreach Director
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BIO
Born and raised in Birmingham, Jennifer received her BFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Arizona. In addition to her accomplished career in fundraising and public engagement, she has served as a national-level motivational speaker and as an advisor for the local 1996 Olympic Soccer games. Jennifer’s successful competitive athletic career culminated in what is undoubtedly the highest honor for an athlete, an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1976 Montreal Games.
- April Davis, Venue & Events Manager
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CONTACT
BIO
April Davis, a lifelong resident of Hueytown, Alabama, has recently stepped into the role of Event Venue Manager at Vulcan Park and Museum. With a robust background in hospitality and event coordination, her most recent position before joining the Vulcan team in May 2023, was Catering Manager for the historic Bright Star Restaurant.
Her primary responsibilities encompass orchestrating event tours, overseeing sales, and ensuring the seamless execution of private events. April’s passion lies in working closely with guests, ensuring their occasions transcend ordinary into truly memorable experiences.
Outside of her professional endeavors, April finds joy in the cherished moments revolving around her husband and four children, where shared adventures and quality time reign supreme. When not immersed in event planning, April seeks solace in the serenity of nature through hiking and loses herself in the captivating realms of literature by curling up with a good book.
- Adrienne Fike, Visitor Experience Manager
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- Tracy Fillmore, Office Manager
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Bio
Tracy Fillmore joined us in the part time position of Office Administrator. Tracy received her BS in Electrical Engineering from UAB and worked in that field earlier in her career. When she returned to the workplace as her children grew up, she worked in office management and administration, at Freedom Court Reporting, the Moore Law Group and, most recently, at Wealth Without Wall Street. Her extensive experience will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to our office operations.
- Casey Gamble, Museum Programs Manager
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CONTACT
BIO
A Birmingham area native, Casey Gamble attended the University of Montevallo where she earned a Bachelor of Science in History before completing a Master of Arts in Secondary Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She worked for Enterprise Holdings and Birmingham City Schools before beginning her career at VPM.
Casey has been connected with Vulcan Park and Museum since 2014, when she worked as an intern in the education department. She eventually went on to run the summer camp program before transitioning to her current role.
As Museum Programs Manager, she creates new educational programs, maintains and implements existing programming, and works to improve accessibility for all visitors. In addition, she manages the collections cataloging project and school tours and supervises volunteers, interns, and contract staff.
In her spare time, Casey enjoys spending time with her family and gardening, reading, photography, and her pets.
- Emily Meyer, Merchandising Manager
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Bio
Emily Meyer manages and supervises The Anvil gift shop at Vulcan Park and Museum. She and her husband, Jeff, joined the team in the summer of 2017 and are very excited to be a part of Birmingham’s premier historic attraction and cultural institution.
Growing up in Dothan, AL, Emily has spent most of her adult life “out West,” living and working in Yellowstone National Park, as well as Moscow, ID and Missoula, MT. She also spent three years living in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan and four months in Iquique, Tarapaca, Chile teaching English to public school children. Emily acquired her extensive knowledge of guest service and retail management while working 12 years for the main concessionaire at Yellowstone National Park.
Emily has a BFA in Painting, as well as a BA in Secondary Art Education, from the University of Idaho in Moscow. She is a working artist and hopes to insert herself into Birmingham’s dynamic art scene. She loves nature and gets outside as much as possible to hike, camp, and kayak.
A recent transplant to Birmingham, Emily misses the Western mountains and snow (her skis wait patiently in her Birmingham closet). But she is excited to live in Birmingham and continue to explore the city’s lovely parks, great food, and dynamic cultural opportunities. The people are nice too! She looks forward to meeting them at Vulcan Park and Museum!
- Nadine Paulmeno, Development Coordinator
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- Gail Vaughan, Accountant
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