New President and CEO for Ocean Institute

DANA POINT ― Ocean Institute’s Board of Directors announced Dan Pingaro as the new President and CEO on April 10. Pingaro served as CEO and executive director of Sailors for the Sea, the ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community. He also most recently served as executive director of Laguna Beach Community Foundation (LBCF) for three years. Pingaro will take on his new role with Ocean Institute on April 24.

Ocean Institute is Orange County’s leading marine science, education, and maritime history center.

“I am thrilled to join the professional staff at the Ocean Institute as CEO. Marine-based science, technology, and research are fundamental to my personal and professional commitment to ocean health and I look forward to furthering the mission of the Ocean Institute. The importance of educating the general public through experiential learning,” Pingaro said.

Pingaro’s past experience includes 10 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the Water Division and with tribal programs. He also founded CLEWGEAR, a technical sailing apparel brand. In addition, he has been an advisor to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, partner to the World Bank Global Partnership for Oceans, advisory council member to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and trustee to the San Francisco Bay Marine Science Institute. Pingaro has memberships at San Francisco’s St. Francis Yacht Club the New York Yacht Club.

Pingaro’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in recreation resource management from Colorado State University, and he studied natural resource planning and interpretation at Humbolt St. University in their master’s program.

“We are thrilled that Dan will be joining us,” Cliff Bream, chairman of Ocean Institute, is quoted as saying. “He has the vision, leadership skills, and passion that will inspire the organization. This, combined with his life-long interest in the ocean and conservation and his non-profit and business background, made him an excellent fit.”