ExplorOcean, the nonprofit ocean literacy center based in Balboa Village, has appointed board chairman Linda Mayer to the position of CEO. Assuming her new position immediately, Linda succeeds Tom Pollack, who is stepping down to pursue various entrepreneurial opportunities.
“I’ve loved the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking cultural and educational organization,” said Pollack. “The past five years have been very rewarding working alongside a team of talented professionals to educate thousands of students about the ocean from the perspective of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). I’m very proud of the programs we have created and implemented which provide a strong foundation for future growth and success.”
ExplorOcean provides ocean-based K-12 STEM education to the general public, inspiring, educating and engaging the explorer within, while helping to develop critical 21st century skills through interactive STEM experiences centered on the principles of ocean literacy — the understanding that everything we do influences the ocean and everything happening in the ocean influences us.
ExplorOcean’s goal is to educate the next generation of ocean literate children who will have a full understanding about the ocean’s influence on human life and on the world below.
“We are pleased that Linda will lead the rapidly expanding reach and success of ExplorOcean’s STEM-based educational programs,” said Doug Pasquale, ExplorOcean’s board chairman. “As an ExplorOcean board member, Linda has a deep understanding of our mission and brings to her role significant executive leadership experience and success. We also wish to thank Tom Pollack for his leadership and contribution to ExplorOcean’s growth and success and we wish him good luck in his future endeavors.”
ExplorOcean’s mission and vision to integrate STEM research into its K-12 program and curriculum development is what initially drew Linda to the organization.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to lead ExplorOcean,” she says. “We expect to bring ocean literacy programs to over 50,000 children, teachers and families this year. In addition, we plan to expand our reach and enhance our programs through the development of strategic opportunities to help drive this growth. I join the board in thanking our many supporters, including and especially our long-standing supporter, the Steele Foundation, our faithful members and patrons, and our excellent team including Dr. Wendy Marshall, who leads our educational efforts.”
At ExplorOcean, visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibitions devised to develop the curious explorer within. ExplorOcean’s programs include single day camps, multi-day camps, classes, monthly lectures and an impressive underwater robotics program developed by Dr. Marshall.
For more information, visit ExplorOcean.org.
