Battleship Missouri Memorial Association Announces the Addition of New and Returning Members to its 2023-2024 Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pearl Harbor, HI – (November 21, 2023) – The USS Missouri Memorial Association proudly announces two outstanding additions to its esteemed Board of Directors. The inclusion of Susan Cowan, a returning board member with a storied career spanning various industries, and William "Bill" Kearns, a highly accomplished leader with extensive public and private sector experience in Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific region, will further enhance the association's ability to drive and propel the organization forward.

Susan Cowan, Board MemberSusan Cowan has rejoined the USS Missouri Memorial Association board, having previously served from 2012 to 2018. Her extensive background in leadership roles showcases exceptional skills and dedication to making a meaningful impact. As the former Vice President at Disneyland Resort (Walt Disney Company), Susan successfully spearheaded the 50th Anniversary celebration, surpassing metrics and financial goals, and led complex operations, including security integration during challenging times like 9/11.

Additionally, Susan's distinguished career includes serving as the Vice President of Operations at Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Chief Operating Officer at Brown and Cole Stores, and Naval Diving Officer for the United States Navy.

Committed to education and community service, Susan holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. from the United States Naval Academy. She actively serves on the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces YMCA.

William "Bill" Kearns, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Board MemberBill Kearns brings broad leadership experience to the USS Missouri Memorial Association board. During his Navy career, he commanded a destroyer squadron based in Pearl Harbor and led a humanitarian mission to Southeast Asia and Oceania. He currently leads Lockheed Martin’s office in Honolulu. He previously served as Director of Defense Programs at Oceanit Laboratories.

Hawaii Business Magazine recognized his leadership in 2016, naming him among the top 20 emerging business leaders in Hawai‘i. Bill actively engages with the Hawaii Military Affairs Council and the Honolulu Council of the Navy League, and holds degrees from the University of Colorado and Harvard University.
The USS Missouri Memorial Association is thrilled to welcome Susan Cowan and Bill Kearns to its Board of Directors, confident that their exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence will further elevate the organization's mission to honor the legacy of the USS Missouri and educate future generations about its historical significance.

Link to Image: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/stf7ir3d50br7fialjuikzhgv3w0hpvwCaption: William "Bill" Kearns, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Board Member

About the Battleship Missouri MemorialSince opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.

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Media Contact:

Danielle Soliven (808) 539-3430 Danielle.Soliven@finnpartners.com
Jaclyn Hawse (808) 455-1600 x246 JaclynH@ussmissouri.org