Christina Connett Brophy Appointed President, CEO of Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has welcomed Christina Connett Brophy as president and CEO.

Brophy has a decade of leadership experience in the museum industry, where she served as senior vice president of the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut and Chief Curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts.

“Dr. Connett Brophy’s leadership and collaborative approach will enhance the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s partnerships with educational institutes, community organizations and businesses all while keeping the organization at the forefront of adventure and preservation,” said Kenneth Stipanov, Board Chair of the Maritime Museum.

The museum announced on Jan. 28 that Brophy had taken the helm “effective immediately.” She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, a master’s from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and a doctorate from the Universitat de València in Spain.

“I am looking forward to an exciting future on the West Coast and continuing to partner with my colleagues on all things maritime back east and abroad,” Brophy said. “San Diego is inextricably linked to the sea, and the Maritime Museum is the gateway to public engagement and personal connection.”

The Maritime Museum is known for maintaining and operating historic ships, including the world’s oldest sailing ship, Star of India, Navy frigate replica H.M.S. Surprise, featured in the award-winning film, Master and Commander, and official state tall ship, the Californian.

Museum exhibits include a model gallery, “Celebrating the Sea,” the “Age of Sail” and “Age of Steam” and regular events include Boarded!, a pirate-themed adventure, and a concert series.