JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — VyStar Credit Union said it is loaning senior executive Lysa Barbano to serve as executive director of the Museum of Science & History during the organization’s transition to a new facility on the city’s Downtown Northbank.
The move is intended to support the museum, commonly known as MOSH, as it advances plans for a new riverfront campus, according to a statement from VyStar Credit Union.
“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 a statement..
Barbano currently serves as VyStar’s senior vice president of partnerships and previously held the role of Florida market president.
New Facility Planned
The appointment comes as MOSH prepares for construction of a new museum and park on approximately 8.68 acres of riverfront land south of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and VyStar Ballpark. In March 2025, the Jacksonville City Council approved an amended agreement involving the museum, the city and the Downtown Investment Authority to advance the project.
The museum’s former Southbank location at 1025 Museum Circle Drive closed in September 2025 as the organization shifted its focus to fundraising and planning for the new facility. The city-owned building is slated for demolition and sits adjacent to a planned residential development by The Related Group.
MOSH said Barbano will guide the organization through the planning phase and into construction, serving as a liaison between the museum’s board, staff and partners. She is also expected to assist in onboarding a permanent CEO as the project progresses.
‘Meaningful Impact’
“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 statement. “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.”
Rendering of new museum, below.
