New member named to ExplorOcean board

ExplorOcean, a museum at the Balboa Fun Zone dedicated to ocean literacy, has named a new member with a long career in business to its board of directors.

Laguna Hills resident Linda Mayer will join Timothy Collins, Douglas Pasquale, Robert van Schoonenberg, Scott Calder, Jim Salomon and Craig Smith on the board, whose mission is to “inspire, educate and engage the explorer through interactive experiences centered on the principles of ocean literacy.”

“Linda has been transforming organizations and refining business strategy for over 25 years,” Tom Pollack, CEO of ExplorOcean, said in a news release. “We’re pleased to have her on board. Her unique insight into consumer behavior and strategic planning initiatives will be an excellent asset to our organization.”

Mayer, according to the release, served as president and CEO of SCHOTT North America and as vice president and general manager for global marketing and product management of Genie. She has also been an executive with Moen, John Deere and Kohler.

The new board member was drawn to ExplorOcean’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the STEM curriculum that many educational and government leaders maintain will lead to greater employment opportunities for today’s youth.

“I look forward to helping ExplorOcean achieve its vision of establishing itself as the premiere ocean literacy center in America while helping to enhance the community resources of Newport Beach for both the local citizens and visiting vacationers,” she said in the news release.

Mayer earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s from Johns Hopkins and a bachelor’s from Stanford.

—Staff reports