Board of Directors
Board Chair Jon Fisher
We are delighted to welcome Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Jon Fisher as the incoming Chair of Bay.Org. Winner of multiple awards for entrepreneurship, Jon sold his own NFTs before founding the software company ViciNFT, prior to building three companies including Bharosa—which produced the Oracle Adaptive Access Manager and sold to Oracle Corporation. An Adjunct Professor at University of San Francisco, he is the author of “Strategic Entrepreneurism: Shattering the Start-Up Entrepreneurial Myths (2008)” and is named on over 100 patents globally. Fisher has been a trustee of the Nueva School in Hillsborough, the Pacific Vascular Research Foundation in South San Francisco, and has served on the board of the Buck Institute For Age Research. An avid volunteer Diver and marine conservationist, he has supported the Aquarium’s fund-raising efforts with his wife Darla and daughter Avery, during the most challenging Covid/ post-Covid years.
Angelique Tompkins
Secretary
Kay Carney
Jacqueline Miller
JJ Hanley
New Board Members
May 21, 2025
Dan Ashley
Welcome Dan Ashley to the Board of Directors.
The Aquarium of the Bay is proud to announce that Dan Ashley, esteemed journalist and longtime anchor at ABC7 News, has joined our Board of Directors.
Dan has been a dedicated supporter of the Aquarium for many years, generously donating his time as the Master of Ceremonies for our annual fundraising galas. His passion for environmental stewardship, deep connection to the Bay Area, and commitment to community service make him a natural fit for our leadership team.
As a trusted voice in the region and an advocate for important causes, Dan brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and vision to our Board. We are honored to welcome him and look forward to working together to further our mission of inspiring conservation of the San Francisco Bay and beyond.
Welcome, Dan – we’re thrilled to have you on board!
December 23, 2024
John McAteer
John McAteer is a seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience at Google, specializing in sales, business development, and digital strategy within the retail and technology sectors. Currently serving as Vice President of US Sales and Operations at Google Retail & Tech, he has played a pivotal role in building and managing partnerships with leading retail, technology, and telecommunications companies. In his work, McAteer collaborates closely with product teams to ensure that client needs are met with innovative digital solutions.
Throughout his career, McAteer has developed deep expertise in e-commerce, mobile advertising, digital marketing, and online strategy. He has worked with top partners ranging from online retailers to tech firms, helping them navigate the digital landscape and maximize their marketing potential.
Before joining Google, McAteer held leadership roles in sales and merchandising at PriceGrabber, Inc., and served as VP of Sales and Business Development at PC World Online and VP of Sales at Ziff-Davis Publishing. His experience spans across industries, including retail, e-commerce, and technology.
In addition to his professional work, McAteer is an emeritus board member of Shop.org, where he has contributed to advancing the digital commerce ecosystem. He holds degrees in Finance and Economics from California State University, Sacramento, and brings a strategic, results-driven perspective to his board work.
Ben Bleiman
Chair (Outgoing)
Thank You Ben Bleiman
You have been at the helm of the Aquarium and Bay.Org for many years and especially, during its toughest period during Covid 19 shut-down which saw our challenges multiply with payroll, debt re-structure, re-financing negotiations and federal assistance. Despite its impact on your personal business, you provided unwavering leadership to Bay.Org and navigated the storm with a sense of higher societal purpose for which we are grateful. Thank you and Farewell!
