Museum of Discovery adds Karen Flake, Brendon Bailey to board

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 124 views 

The Museum of Discovery, located in Little Rock’s River Market, has added Karen Flake and Brendon Bailey to its board of directors.

Flake is a distinguished business leader and community advocate. She co-founded Flake-Wilkerson Market Insights, which gained national recognition, and later served as President of Mount St. Mary Academy. In 2018, she was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame.

Currently, she is focused on local redevelopment projects through Flake & Company, such as rebuilding Pavilion in the Park, which was damaged by the March 2023 tornado. Additionally, she is actively involved in community service through leadership roles in various organizations, including the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and Centers for Youth & Families.

“As a mother and grandmother, I’ve always found the Museum of Discovery to be a fun and educational resource,” said Flake. “I look forward to joining the board to help continue the operations of the Museum and to further develop the resources of the museum in our fast-paced changing world. We definitely need our children to lay down their electronics and explore activities that develop their creativity and grow their ability to problem solve.”

Bailey is Senior Vice President for Strategy & Innovation for CTEH with nearly 25 years of experience assisting organizations, companies and governments in responding to and recovering from natural and man-made disasters. His current responsibilities include overseeing the marketing, sales and business development efforts. He has a proven ability to lead diverse teams to solve clients’ environmental, emergency response and regulatory challenges.

“As someone deeply committed to advancing STEM education and creating opportunities for all, I am honored to represent CTEH on the Museum of Discovery’s Board of Directors,” said Bailey. “The Museum of Discovery’s mission to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers aligns perfectly with CTEH’s mission to bring the power of science, technology, and innovation as we solve complex challenges and protect communities. I look forward to contributing to the museum’s incredible work in fostering a love for STEM and building a brighter future for our state.”

Founded in 1927, the Museum of Discovery has been dedicated to igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through dynamic and interactive experiences. Located in the River Market District of Little Rock, the museum offers engaging exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages.

“I am excited to see the energy and dedication that Karen and Brendon will bring to the Museum of Discovery,” said Michael Nauman, interim CEO of the Museum of Discovery. “They are focused on improving our community and ensuring that STEM opportunities are available to all Arkansas students.”