URGENT UPDATE: The Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista has announced that its long-serving executive director, Ben Vallejos, will retire on February 6, 2025, after an impressive 24 years of dedicated service. Vallejos, who began as a volunteer aquarist in the early 1990s, has played a pivotal role in transforming the center into a leading nonprofit zoo and aquarium.
During his tenure, Vallejos has led the center to remarkable financial growth, boosting annual revenues from $500,000 in 2010 to an anticipated $2.5 million in 2025. His leadership has seen the successful completion of several major projects, including the expansion of the sea turtle exhibit in 2015 and significant upgrades to aquatic life support systems between 2022 and 2024.
Vallejos navigated the organization through a challenging 14-month closure during the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded a crucial fundraising campaign in 2013, raising over $400,000 in just 30 days to prevent the center from closing its doors.
In his own words, Vallejos stated, “After more than two decades of service, this is a natural time for me to step aside. I’m proud of what we have accomplished in pursuit of our mission — growing our team, strengthening our programs, and expanding our impact in so many areas.”
Following this announcement, Shayna Foreman, the center’s director of education and guest experience since 2022, has been appointed as interim executive director. Foreman brings over 20 years of experience in informal science education, including previous roles at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
The Living Coast Discovery Center, located on the scenic San Diego Bay, attracts an average of 70,000 visitors annually and provides educational programs to thousands of children each year. The center is currently conducting a search for a permanent executive director, ensuring that its mission continues to thrive.
As this story develops, the community and supporters of the Living Coast Discovery Center are eager to see how the transition in leadership will shape the future of this beloved institution. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant change.
