Meet The Team | Vulcan Park & Museum: Birmingham, AL

Senior Leadership

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

Samil Baker serves as Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Vulcan Park & Museum and Vulcan Park Foundation, where she leads efforts to enhance the organization’s visibility and community engagement. With over a decade of experience spanning nonprofits, higher education, 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, Samil held key positions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the Birmingham Zoo, Savannah Magazine, the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, the Historical Society of Central Florida, and Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus.

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 (UA), 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.

Brandon M. Cleveland, Director of Development

Brandon M. Cleveland is a senior finance and community development executive with 15 years of experience spanning banking, CDFI-adjacent lending, nonprofit leadership, and board governance. Proven advisor to executive teams and boards on capital strategy, credit discipline, revenue diversification, and regulatory-aligned growth.

He is a former bank officer and managing partner with deep experience in underwriting, portfolio management, capitalization planning, and institutional scaling. Brandon is known for translating complex financial, regulatory, and operational challenges into board-ready decisions that strengthen sustainability and mission impact.

Currently, he serves as Director of Development at Vulcan Park Foundation, a legacy organization in the Alabama region. He leads revenue generation, major gift cultivation, membership, and the design of a future endowment fund. Brandon is passionate about preserving culture, advancing equity, ensuring economic strength, and building stronger communities, bringing both executive-level vision and a deep commitment to service.

Pam Hamrick, Director of Museum Operations

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.