ExplorOcean Announces New Board Member, Linda Mayer

NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 24, 2014) - ExplorOcean -- a nonprofit ocean literacy center in Newport Beach -- proudly welcomes Linda Mayer as the newest member of its board of directors. Mayer, an experienced CEO with an established track record of success, joins board members Timothy Collins, Douglas Pasquale, Robert van Schoonenberg, Scott Calder, Jim Salomon and Craig Smith, in providing guidance and direction for ExplorOcean's overall mission: 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," says Tom Pollack, CEO of ExplorOcean. "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 most recently served as president and CEO of SCHOTT North America, a $750 million division of SCHOTT AG -- a German global technology company that manufactures specialty materials and glass components. As president and CEO, Mayer oversaw seven business units across 14 manufacturing locations, five sales offices, an R&D facility and the corporate offices.

Previously, Mayer served as vice president and general manager for Global Marketing and Product Management of Genie, a $2.1 billion division of TEREX. In this role, she restructured the global leadership of the division and helped lead the business through the challenges of the credit crisis and the consequential recession.

Mayer has also held executive-level positions with well-regarded brands, such as Moen, John Deere and Kohler. Her extensive business background and ability to meet challenges efficiently position Mayer as a key member of the ExplorOcean team.

Mayer was initially drawn to ExplorOcean's impressive vision and integration of the latest STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) research into program and curriculum development -- education she believes to be critical 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 states.

Mayer also serves on the board for GrowThink, a strategic consulting company for entrepreneurs. She earned an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where she authored a manual on starting and operating a business. She also holds a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University in advanced international studies and a bachelor's degree from Stanford University.

Mayer and her husband live in Laguna Hills, Calif. where they enjoy Southern California's active, outdoor lifestyle, spending many weekends hiking, swimming and biking.

ABOUT EXPLOROCEAN: ExplorOcean, America's premiere ocean literacy center, offers a world-class ocean literacy platform and cultural destination where visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibitions devised to develop the curious explorer within. ExplorOcean's high quality programs which are grounded in the seven principles of ocean literacy and in STEM content include single day camps, multi-day camps, classes, monthly lectures and an impressive underwater robotics program developed by the director of education, Dr. Wendy Marshall. Headquartered on the Balboa Peninsula between the between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the bustling Newport Harbor, the center's nearly two-acre location is the perfect place for people of all ages to learn about the seven seas. For more information about ExplorOcean, please visit www.ExplorOcean.org.