Press release:
Executive Director Bolton Colburn has announced his resignation from Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (formerly Surfing Heritage Foundation) in order to pursue other interests.
During Mr. Colburn’s brief tenure, he gave the organization an authoritative new direction, drawing on his extensive background as an art museum director and curator and his history as a US Amateur Surfing Champion in the 1970s.
“Bolton leaves the organization stronger having accomplished many of the goals and initiatives that he proposed at the onset of his involvement with Surfing Heritage & Culture Center in November 2011,” Steve Pezman, Vice President of the Board of Directors said. “Those include rebranding and renaming the institution; developing a rotating exhibition space and program; and initiating and rebuilding funding programs that will sustain the organization in the future. With these initiatives up and running, SH&CC is on solid ground to become the world’s premiere institution focusing on surf culture.”
Under Mr. Colburn’s direction membership revenue increased by 60%; grants increased by $50,000; an Annual Fund was initiated bringing in $40,000 the first year; and a new major donor program was launched in order to engage the Founding Partners and Sustaining Partners on a regular basis leading to an increase in major donations.
“I was pleased to have an opportunity to lead the organization at such a promising time in its development, ” Mr. Colburn said. “I am confident it will continue to build upon its reputation and support from its members, foundations, and donors who recognize the importance of maintaining a world-class institution focused on surf culture for this community and the wider Southern California region.”
Mr. Colburn said that he has not yet committed to a new position and is planning to spend some time considering his “strategy for the next chapter” of his life, which will most likely include arts administration in Los Angeles.
Mr. Colburn will stay on as a consultant through mid-May to continue work on the Surfing Heritage Vintage Surf Auction presented by Quiksilver Waterman Collection, the biggest fundraising effort the organization has embarked on to date and to finish important projects that are currently in process.
SH&CC Board of Director Paul Strauch has agreed to take on the role of Executive Director effective April 1. Strauch is a legendary surfer and has an extensive business and entrepreneurial background.
About Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting surfing’s heritage for the appreciation and education of current and future generations; and to achieving our goal of surfing being more accurately understood, represented and enjoyed.
