Len Linton Elected as Board Chair

CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF ART THOUSAND OAKS ELECTS LEN LINTON AS BOARD CHAIR (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) – Len Linton, CFO of ViaSource Solutions and Leads Mogul, LLC, and President of Guardian Insurance Services, has been elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO). Linton has served on the museum’s Board since 2013, most recently as Treasurer. He succeeds Tony Principe, president of Westcord Commercial Real Estate Services, who has served as the museum’s chair since 2016. Linton assumed his new role on June 1, 2019.

Linton’s professional experience includes executive positions within the banking and financial services, manufacturing and information technology industries. Prior to ViaSource Solutions he was CEO of 1NW Contract, a contract management services company, and previously served as Director of California Oaks State Bank. His past board leadership service includes President of New West Symphony, President of the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise and President of the Wellness Community Valley of Ventura.

“CMATO is an important cultural institution with a deep commitment to engage and inspire visitors from the region and beyond. I’m delighted and honored to continue my work with our dedicated Board, staff and supporters in this new leadership capacity,” said Linton. “I am grateful to Tony Principe for his extraordinary contributions to CMATO in overseeing an unprecedented period of growth at the museum in terms of expansion, programs and membership.”

Linton’s election comes on the heels of record-level attendance for the museum, spurred by exhibitions featuring the iconic American photographer, Ansel Adams, and pioneering graffiti artist and illustrator, Kelly “Risk” Graval. Since moving to a 5,500-square foot commercial location at The Oaks Mall in November of 2018, CMATO has boosted its weekend attendance by nearly 5000%. Donations to the museum have increased nearly 40% over the previous year. The museum has also expanded its public programs and educational offerings, attracting visitors of all ages.

“We are thrilled to see our visitors responding so enthusiastically to our exhibits and programs, and we look forward to reaching and engaging the broadest audience by making art and programs accessible to all,” said Principe. “It has been my honor and to serve CMATO and to see the community support the important role the museum plays in the region. I am proud of our accomplishments and know that CMATO will continue to thrive under the leadership of Len Linton, whose wealth of experience and passion for the arts will propel the organization forward.”

In addition to its current exhibitions, CMATO will feature a series of public programs over the summer, including a new monthly concert series in partnership with Brogden Bay Presents, as well as art making programs and Mandala-inspired mindfulness classes. The museum is already well underway with plans for its next major exhibit, “Empathy: Beneath The Surface,” a group exhibition featuring artists who explore the themes of loss, understanding and strength across various artistic mediums.

As part of CMATO’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, the museum offers free admission to visitors, a policy that has been adopted by a growing number of prominent art museums. A longtime advocate of community engagement, CMATO aspires to make art as accessible as possible, to encourage visitors to make their own personal connections with the art on view, and to inspire future generations of avid museumgoers.

ABOUT:

The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) is a cultural institution dedicated to engaging, educating and uplifting the human spirit through the palette of art. Established in 2008, the museum showcases established and emerging contemporary artists, with a unique focus on participatory art. As part of its mission to connect people to creativity, ideas and to each other, CMATO features rotating temporary exhibitions, guest artist lectures and educational programs that foster discussion, participation and an appreciation for the visual arts. To learn more or to become a museum membe