Spartanburg Basks in Sunshine as Local Science Pro Joins Science Center Board

Spartanburg Enjoys Abundant Sunshine as Local Science Pro Steps Up

Folks in Spartanburg enjoyed the day under an overwhelmingly sunny sky and savored the warmth as temperatures rose up to a cozy 79° F, with a gentle breeze blowing from the east-southeast at a speed of 5 to 10 mph. As sunset approached, the sky remained starry clear while the night temperature settled around an inviting 55° F, the winds kept their gentle charm unchanged.

In another exciting development, the Spartanburg Science Center announced a new member joining its board. Known for its hands-on exhibits, live animal sections, and programs that stimulate both learning and fun, the Science Center is always brimming with kids eager to unravel the mysteries of the world around them.

Meet the New Board Member

With two degrees from the University of Michigan and a wealth of management experience from leading roles in the automobile industry and chemical manufacturing, Kirkland is the latest addition to the board of the Spartanburg Science Center. Since 2019, he has been serving as the site manager of Converse and managing the BASF site in Lincoln Park, Michigan.

Quick to give back to his community, Kirkland is also a proud graduate of Leadership Spartanburg and serves on the Upstate Workforce Investment Board. His stellar contributions to the manufacturing industry earned him a coveted spot on the SC Biz Manufacturing Power List in 2023.

“I’m honored to join the board of the Spartanburg Science Center, an organization that plays a vital role in strengthening our community,” quipped Kirkland. With a heartfelt commitment to fostering the future workforce in STEM fields, he went on to emphasize how his association with the Science Center will ignite the curiosity among young minds about science.”

BASF ECMS: At the Forefront of Sustainability

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS), where Kirkland serves, is a leader in catalysis and precious metals. With its breadth of services extending to multiple industries like automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and the hydrogen economy, BASF ECMS is seamlessly integrating sustainability into its business approach.

The company is steadfast in its goal to facilitate a cleaner, more sustainable world, and has a dedicated, diverse workforce of over 4,500 employees working across 20 production sites in 15 countries. For BASF ECMS, ‘protecting the elements of life’ is not just a tagline but a constant source of inspiration to develop unique solutions that reinforce their commitment to sustainability.

Enthusiasm Runs High in Spartanburg

With such a personality joining the Spartanburg Science Center, the excitement is ramping up in the community. Kirkland’s collaborative approach and dedication to promote interest in STEM careers are bound to enhance the Center’s initiatives in nurturing the next generation’s fascination for science. As in all things Spartanburg, science is looking bright and sunny, under clear skies.