Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Appoints Will Sofrin and Craig Alexander to Its Board of Directors

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors as of March 1, 2026 – Will Sofrin and Craig Alexander. Together, Sofrin and Alexander bring complementary expertise that strengthens SBMM’s mission to preserve and share the maritime history and marine environment of the Santa Barbara Channel while deepening the museum’s impact through public programs, exhibitions, and youth education.

Will Sofrin is a designer, author, and lifelong sailor whose work centers on craft, leadership, and experiential learning. He began his career apprenticing in wooden boat restoration before sailing professionally—a path that took him throughout Europe, the East Coast, Central America, and the West Coast. He later transitioned into the design field, where for nearly two decades he has worked across residential architecture, historic preservation, and hands-on fabrication. Sofrin has taught at MIT, served on architectural review boards in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, and brings a deep respect for process, material, and place to everything he does.

Sofrin is the author of All Hands on Deck and USCG Cutter Eagle: The Legacy of the Coast Guard’s Flagship, and is currently writing several books focused on the future of continued education and high-performance ocean racing. He lives in Santa Barbara with his family and remains actively engaged in sailing, writing, and design.

“What drew me to SBMM is how effectively the museum connects maritime history to lived experience,” Sofrin said. “The channel is not an abstract idea here—it’s something you feel daily—and the museum does a remarkable job of honoring both the working waterfront and the broader human stories tied to the sea. That balance between preservation, education, and relevance really resonates with me.”

Craig Alexander brings extensive experience in executive leadership, compliance, and operations, with a career focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences, building strong teams, and streamlining complex systems. A seasoned manager of administrative services, human resources, facilities, technology, and compliance, Alexander has supervised large teams and developed analytical programs that improve efficiency in financial compliance and account surveillance. He has managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios, advised municipalities in municipal underwriting, served as an expert witness at an SEC hearing, and guest lectured at Pepperdine University.

Alexander holds a degree in business administration from Kean University and maintains numerous securities licenses. In addition to his professional background, he is active in the community as a percussionist with nonprofit groups and is also a private pilot.

“SBMM’s story is rooted in both heritage and stewardship,” Alexander said. “I’m honored to join the board and support the museum’s work—helping strengthen operations and long-term sustainability so SBMM can continue serving the community and inspiring future generations.”

“With Will and Craig joining our board, SBMM gains both a powerful storyteller with deep maritime roots and a proven leader in organizational excellence,” said Board President Alex Weinstein, MD. “Their combined perspectives will help SBMM advance its mission, expand community engagement, and ensure the museum remains a vital place for learning and connection on the Santa Barbara waterfront.”

SBMM offers interactive exhibitions, special events, youth education programs, and its year-round Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series—bringing together historians, scientists, authors, and maritime professionals to explore the people, industries, and ecosystems that shape the Santa Barbara Channel.