The Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose announced Wednesday that longtime nonprofit executive Linda Tsai will be its new president and CEO starting March 16.
“I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening organizations that open doors for children and families,” Tsai said in a statement. “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.”
In a video introduction, Tsai said her first connection with the museum started as a member when she would bring her four children to visit. “The museum helped shaped their curiosity and creativity, and it is my distinct privilege to help the museum shape its future,” she said.
Linda Tsai will take over as the president and CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum on March 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Children’s Discovery Museum)
Monica Nayar, board chair of the Children’s Discovery Museum, said Tsai brings both exceptional leadership experience and a heartfelt connection to the downtown learning center.
“As a parent and longtime supporter, she understands the powerful impact of hands-on learning,” Nayar said. “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.”
Tsai previously held fundraising positions at the Tech Interactive and the Silicon Valley chapter of the American Heart Association. More recently, she worked for the Cloudera Foundation and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation before returning to the American Heart Association as its region senior vice president and senior executive director in Los Angeles for Development and Community Health.
Tsai moved to San Jose to work for the Mercury News, where she had roles as a business reporter and editor and as research director from 1995 until 2008. She succeeds Marilee Jennings, who spent 39 years with the Children’s Discovery Museum and served as its executive director since 2008.