CEO Corner
Updates from Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the President & CEO of the Pacific Battleship Center, home of the Battleship IOWA, LA Fleet Week, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy. A purpose-driven leader and storyteller, he shares updates and insights from one of the nation’s most innovative nonprofit organizations. His writing explores leadership, community, and culture — connecting lessons from the deck plate to the boardroom while highlighting the people, progress, and purpose that continue to drive the mission forward.
Newest Updates
CEO Update November 2, 2020
Surface Navy Museum and IOWA Family: This Tuesday November 3rd is Election Day, a day on which each of us (18 years or older) exercises our right to vote. The right to vote is a fundamental protected by the United States Constitution and fought for by generations of proud Americans regardless of race or gender. Each of us has an obligation to our fellow Americans and our future to vote. While Election Day is about voting for our representatives and ballot measures, I think about service...
CEO Update October 27, 2020
Surface Navy Museum and IOWA Family: There is excitement abounding aboard Battleship IOWA with momentum building for the National Museum of the Surface Navy. The progress wouldn't be happening without your support and the dedication of our committed crew. There is no doubt that the effects of the pandemic will continue to impact our ticket, overnight, and event revenue for the foreseeable future. We are still seeing approximately 10% of 2019 traffic on the weekdays and about 50% on the...
THE IOWAN: Battleship USS IOWA Fall 2020 Newsletter
CEO UPDATE Dear friends and supporters, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have shown throughout this devastating pandemic. We would not have our decks open today without your unwavering commitment to your ship, mission, and crew. It is difficult to put into words the full impact of COVID-19 on the crew, the IOWA museum, and our nation. I continue to take my responsibility seriously to provide you the most up-to-date information on the challenges we face, as well as our...
Fall Newsletter: Full Volunteer Update
Whether front line or behind the scenes, volunteers have had an even greater impact than usual during the coronavirus pandemic. How they have risen to the challenges, additional training, safety protocols, and adjustments to the daily routine is both inspiring and humbling. There was a moment that particularly impressed me. After experiencing our first shut-down since opening in 2012, and restrictions were lifted enough to allow us to open for exterior tours and to resume more than merely the...
CEO Update October 20, 2020
Surface Navy Museum and IOWA Family: I am excited to see the tremendous progress that the team is making on the National Museum of the Surface Navy and the work aboard the Battleship IOWA. The pandemic continues to impact our guest revenues significantly, resulting in drastic expense reduction and a continued need for donor support. Thank you for continuing to assist us with your contributions during these challenging times. Although we continue to operate in a resource restrained...
National Museum of the Surface Navy Update
IOWA Family: As you may know, we received some exciting news about National Museum of the Surface Navy on Tuesday. Supervisor Hahn's office shared the press release that went out following the board meeting where our leadership team and community partners spoke in support of the bill. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13 Contact: Liz Odendahl, Supervisor's Communications Director O: (213) 974-4444, C: (213) 379-6301, lodendahl@bos.lacounty.gov LA County Board of Supervisors Supports...
CEO Update September 29, 2020
IOWA Family: Today is the 245th birthday of the United States Navy, and it seems appropriate that we have some good news to share. Attendance has been slightly better in the last week, and there's been an exciting development with our quest to become the National Museum of the Surface Navy. Get the latest in this video from Jonathan Williams, Battleship IOWA Museum President and CEO. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UE8C9ClwLc[/embedyt] There's another way to help...
CEO Update September 29, 2020
IOWA Family: Our week began with a board meeting where we discussed numerous items including the National Museum campaign, virtual programs, and our current status in weathering the pandemic. On behalf of the board(s) and our crew, we are deeply appreciative to each and every one of you that has supported us during this once in a lifetime event. Last week, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán and Senator Diane Feinstein introduced legislation to designate the Battleship U.S.S. IOWA...
Operation Crush COVID Week 10: Thank You!
Hard to believe ten weeks have passed since we started our GoFundMe campaign. We really don't have the words to express our gratitude for the support you've shown us! We know many of you have been hit by COVID-19 just as we have, yet you've helped us get halfway to our goal of $50,000. Some of you donated online and some of you sent checks - every dollar means the ship we love can keep her decks open in spite of the crushing affect of this pandemic. On this last day of the campaign, Vice...
Barragán, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Designate the U.S.S. Iowa Battleship as the National Museum of the Surface Navy
September 24th, 2020 Barragán, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Designate the U.S.S. Iowa Battleship as the National Museum of the Surface Navy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán and Senator Diane Feinstein introduced legislation to designate the battleship U.S.S. Iowa Museum as the National Museum of the Surface Navy. If passed, this bill would make this vessel the first and only museum in the nation dedicated solely to the men and women who have served in the surface...
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