LA WATERFRONT, CA (April 16, 2013) – To better align its organization and resources with current market conditions and effectively meet business objectives, the Pacific Battleship Center (PBC), operators of the Battleship IOWA, have made the following changes effective immediately.
Jonathan Williams has been promoted President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Williams assumes the responsibility for the overall performance of the PBC, while maintaining a cohesive crew of both paid and volunteer employees that has been so important in the success of the Battleship IOWA
Mike Getscher has been promoted to Vice President of Operations in charge of museum, curatorial, maintenance, and day-to-day restoration of the ship.
David Canfield is now in charge of the complex technology infrastructure as Vice President of IT/Security with an armored battleship and the security team that maintains a high level of professionalism and a secure vessel.
Craig Post has been promoted to Director of Attractions, responsible for guest services functions including ticketing, tour, store, photo, and vendor operations.
Tommy Spencer extends his duties to Marketing Coordinator and responsible for coordinating the advertising and marketing for the battleship attraction
Robert Kent shifts his duties to Director of External Affairs. In his new role, Kent will be able to focus on managing and building relationships with key donors and funding bodies.
Ross O’Brien, CPA, has come aboard to perform the duties of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer, overseeing the financial processes.
The PBC is dedicated to “Celebrating the American Spirit” through the preservation and interpretation of the Battleship IOWA. By sharing the accomplishments and sacrifices of American patriots and engaging visitors in unique and exciting ways the battleship comes to life connecting the past with the future.
“We have seen an average 20% attendance increase month to month since this January,” said Williams. “And this is only the beginning, there are great things happening here on the IOWA and at the L.A. Waterfront.”
Considered lynch pin to the LA Waterfront revitalization, the Battleship IOWA opened on July 7, 2012 as an interactive naval museum and is the only battleship on the West Coast open to the public. Its tour takes guests on a journey through World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War to experience the life of a sailor on the lead ship of the last class of gunships. Guests will walk the wood decks of a battleship and see areas such as the 16” guns, 5” guns, missile decks, bridge, mess areas, and the world famous Captain’s Cabin with the only bathtub installed on a battleship for a President.
The Battleship IOWA is open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (September through May); 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (June through August). For more information on the attraction, go to pacificbattleship.com.