Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
March 2, 2026 – Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Linda Tsai as the new president and CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. She was selected following a rigorous national search led by the museum’s board search committee and conducted by Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc., distinguishing herself among a strong field of candidates.
Ms. Tsai succeeds executive director Marilee Jennings, who is retiring after a 35-plus year career serving children and families since the museum’s founding. “Our search committee was truly impressed by Linda’s strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and deep commitment to mission-driven work,” said Cindy Loggins, search chair of the museum board of directors. “After a thoughtful national search, I could not be more proud of where we landed. Linda is stepping into a role shaped by a remarkable 35-year legacy, and she brings the heart, experience, and vision to honor that foundation while leading the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose into its next chapter of growth, community impact, and inspiration.”
“Linda brings both exceptional leadership experience and a heartfelt connection to Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose,” said Monica Nayar, board chair. “As a parent and longtime supporter, she understands the powerful impact of hands-on learning. The Board is thrilled to welcome her and is confident she will build on the Museum’s strong legacy while inspiring the next generation of innovators and strengthening our community.”
A seasoned non-profit executive with deep roots in San Jose and Silicon Valley, Ms. Tsai brings more than two decades of leadership experience in museums, philanthropy, and mission-driven organizations. She most recently served as senior vice president and senior executive director at the American Heart Association in Los Angeles, where her team consistently exceeded goals in fundraising, community impact, and brand engagement. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at The Tech Interactive, where she helped lead strategic planning and major fundraising initiatives, as well as executive positions at two national foundations.
In her new role with the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Ms. Tsai will first focus on listening and learning from staff, board members, and the community, while building on the museum’s strong legacy. She is committed to advancing the museum’s mission of inspiring creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning through hands-on play. Under her leadership, the museum will continue to celebrate culture, strengthen community connections, and nurture the next generation of visionaries in Silicon Valley.
“I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening organizations that open doors for children and families,” said Ms. Tsai. “Leading this beloved institution is both a professional calling and a personal joy, and I look forward to expanding its reach so more young people can build confidence, think creatively, and see themselves as capable of shaping the world around them.”
Exploring and Discovery
The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a hands-on, play-based learning center located in downtown San Jose that invites children and families to explore and discover through interactive exhibits. Housed in a distinctive purple building designed by architect Ricardo Legorreta, it features more than 150 exhibits across indoor and outdoor spaces, including the outdoor nature play area “Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature.”
Shelli Herman and Associates Inc. serves trailblazing clients across the corporate, non-profit, and higher education sectors. The firm’s long roster of clients includes the Annenberg Foundation; the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation; BENlabs; The Capital Group Companies/American Funds Distributors; City Year, Los Angeles; the Fresno Chaffee Zoo; the Griffith Observatory Foundation; Jewish Family Service LA; Laguna College of Art and Design; Loyola Marymount University; Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; P.S. ARTS; the Saint Louis Zoo; Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County; the University of California System; the Whitney Museum of American Art; and YWCA Greater Los Angeles.
Shelli Herman, who has more than 25 years of executive recruitment experience, has a strong record of leading searches and building upper management teams for a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies. She has completed senior-level assignments in many industries, including consumer products, healthcare, high technology, and finance, as well as for non-profit, conservation, and cultural organizations. Additionally, she brings an in-depth understanding of the unique cultural environment of academia that was gained while she held significant management positions at the University of Florida and Loyola Marymount University.
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Executive Director for City Year
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
