New Leaders, New Horizons: SBMM Welcomes Five Dynamic Board Members and Announces New Officers During 25th Anniversary Year
As the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, the organization is proud to welcome five exceptional individuals to its Board of Directors: Mark Cooper, Caroline Fisher, Ellen Robinson, Linda Stirling, and Cindy Young. These newly appointed members begin their service in July and bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and community leadership to SBMM during this milestone year.
In addition, SBMM is pleased to announce its incoming board officers: Alex Weinstein, MD will assume the role of President, Kate Ford will serve as Vice President, Cindy Young as Treasurer, and Chad Makela will take on the role of Secretary. The museum extends heartfelt gratitude to outgoing board members David Bolton, Randy Fox, Jerry Jackman, and Sigrid Toye for their years of dedicated service and guidance.
“We are excited to begin this next chapter of SBMM’s journey with such strong leadership in place,” said Executive Director Greg Gorga. “As we celebrate 25 years of preserving our region’s maritime heritage, these individuals will help shape our future while honoring the values and vision that brought us here.”
Mark Cooper: Decorated Naval Veteran and Educator
Captain Mark Cooper, USN (Ret.), is a Santa Barbara native, Vietnam War veteran, and retired professor from Cal Poly’s College of Engineering. His diverse career spans naval command, industrial arts education, and senior roles in aerospace manufacturing. Mark is also a seasoned fundraiser, having raised more than $30 million in support of engineering programs at Cal Poly. A passionate adventurer and advocate for hands-on learning, his maritime experience and lifelong commitment to service make him a natural fit for SBMM’s leadership.
Caroline Fisher: Educator, Philanthropist, and Advocate for Early Childhood Literacy
Caroline Fisher brings to the SBMM Board of Directors a dynamic background in education, literacy, and community engagement. After earning her BA in clinical psychology from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Teaching from USC, Caroline taught in both public and private school settings in Los Angeles, specializing in special education and early literacy. Certified in the Orton-Gillingham Method, she has worked extensively with students with learning differences including Dyslexia. Since relocating to Santa Barbara, Caroline has focused on raising her young family and co-managing her family’s charitable trust, directing philanthropic efforts both locally and abroad. An active community volunteer, Caroline is passionate about empowering young learners and fostering inclusive, high-quality education.
Ellen Robinson: Community Leader and Arts Advocate
Ellen Robinson has an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, historic preservation, and the arts. While living in Tampa, FL, she served as president of Tampa Preservation Inc., leading a $10 million redevelopment project in Tampa Heights. She also held board roles with the H.B. Plant Museum Society, Tampa City Ballet, and the Ybor City Streetcar Board. Since moving to Carpinteria in 2013, Ellen has remained active in the community through the Santa Barbara Newcomers Club (past president), Ensemble Theatre board, Carpinteria Arts Center Honorary Board, and as a docent at SBMM.
Linda Stirling: A Champion of Education and Nonprofit Leadership
Linda Stirling, a former SBMM board member, is returning with renewed energy and a remarkable track record of community involvement. Linda has served on numerous nonprofit boards including the Children’s Creative Project, CASA, Peabody Charter School, and the Junior League of Santa Barbara, where she served as president from 2006–2007. A dedicated educator and former litigation specialist, she holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara and UCLA and has earned recognition for her teaching and community leadership. Her extensive experience in education, nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and consensus building will once again be a valuable asset to SBMM.
Cindy Young: Financial Strategist with a Passion for Community
Cindy Young brings more than 35 years of experience in financial management and nonprofit governance. She has held senior roles at organizations including Pacifica Graduate Institute, United Way of Santa Barbara County, and NuSil Technology, and was formerly an audit manager at Arthur Andersen & Co. Cindy has also served on the boards of Shelter Services for Women and Planned Parenthood of the California Central Coast. Her expertise in financial oversight and dedication to community causes will greatly support SBMM’s continued growth and impact.
“This is an exciting time for SBMM,” said outgoing SBMM Board President Chuck Wilson. “Our new board members and officers bring fresh ideas and seasoned leadership that will guide us toward a vibrant and impactful future.”
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum looks forward to the energy, experience, and insight that these new board members will contribute, as SBMM commemorates 25 years of honoring the maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.