VyStar Credit Union is loaning executive Lysa Barbano to serve as executive director of the Museum of Science & History during the institution’s transition to a new site on the Downtown Northbank.
“Lysa is an accomplished executive whose expertise in partner alignment, operational strategy, and large‑scale project execution make her exceptionally well prepared for this assignment,” VyStar President and CEO Brian Wolfburg said in an April 13 news release.
Barbano is VyStar’s senior vice president of partnerships and its former Florida market president.
In March 2025, Jacksonville City Council approved an amended agreement with MOSH, the city and Downtown Investment Authority to allow for construction of a new MOSH facility, including a museum and park, on 8.68 acres of riverfront land south of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and VyStar Ballpark.
The MOSH building at 1025 Museum Circle Drive is scheduled for demolition after the museum closed it in September 2025 to focus on fundraising for the new facility. The vacant, city-owned building is adjacent to the site where The Related Group of Miami plans to build the South Bank Residences 25-story tower and adjacent eight-story residential building and garage.
MOSH shut down the Southbank museum in September 2025, saying the closure would allow the organization to “fully engage in shaping the vision for the new Museum.”
“Serving as executive director during this project is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact for the Jacksonville community as the Museum moves from vision to reality,” Barbano said in the release. “From strong leadership, an engaged board, dedicated staff, and committed partners to a donor community that has invested nearly $100 million, everything is in place to create something truly transformational for Jacksonville.”
The museum said Barbano will guide the organization through planning and into construction as liaison between the museum’s board, staff and partners. She also will help onboard a permanent CEO as the project advances closer toward completion, the release said.
With Barbano as executive director, the museum’s senior leadership team is fully in place, according to the release.
Maureen Mercho continues in her full-time role as chief development officer, leading fundraising.
“Maureen’s steady leadership ensured continuity during the transition and will continue to drive our fundraising and outreach efforts. Lysa brings strong strategic and project management expertise that will be instrumental in completing the Museum and shaping a forward-looking, sustainable institution,” museum board Chair Jill Davis said in the release.
VyStar was the museum’s first corporate donor, contributing $2.5 million. Wolfburg has served on the museum’s board since 2020 and recently became capital campaign co-chair.
The museum’s staff operates out of donated space in the VyStar Tower in Downtown Jacksonville.
MOSH was founded in 1941 and moved to the Southbank building in 1969, shortly after it was completed.