ExplorOcean educational center gets new chief

A Newport Beach nonprofit ocean literacy center that started its journey in an area known as the Fun Zone in Balboa Village about a decade ago has appointed board member Linda Mayer to fill the organization’s recently vacated top spot.

Mayer, who was appointed to ExplorOcean’s board in 2014, takes over as chief executive for Tom Pollack, who stepped down in early December.

Most recently, Mayer was president and CEO of Schott North America, a division of Schott AG, a global technology company.

Before that, the Laguna Hills resident served in various roles for companies such as Genie, Moen, John Deere and Kohler.

“We are pleased that Linda will lead the rapidly expanding reach and success of ExplorOcean’s STEM-based educational programs focusing on ocean literacy,” Doug Pasquale, ExplorOcean’s board chairman, wrote in a statement. “As an ExplorOcean board member, Linda has a deep understanding of our mission and brings to her role significant executive leadership experience and success.”

The reason for Pollack’s departure is not clear, but the organization said in a statement that he stepped 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,” Pollack wrote. “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.”

Pollack could not be reached for further comment.

In 2005, ExplorOcean — formerly known as the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum — bought nearly two acres in Balboa Village, including the learning center’s current building, the boardwalk and the marina. ExplorOcean, which is the second-largest landowner in the area behind the city of Newport Beach, has been a key player in the transformation of the Fun Zone from a 1950s-style seaside carnival to a marine-focused educational center.

ExplorOcean originally planned to build a complex that will feature a three-story Ocean Literacy Center with 4-D attractions, interactive exhibits and an ocean education curriculum to supplement marine studies in school districts across California but abandoned the plan in 2014, according to a spokesperson. It is unclear why the initial plan was dropped.

Last year, the organization raised funds to purchase a 45-foot pontoon boat at a cost of $160,000. Pollock said at the time that the boat would help the center’s teaching staff get more students on the water for hands-on experiences with marine life.

Some opponents of ExplorOcean’s expansion have raised questions about the group’s ability to finance and execute its plan.