IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016

Leah Van Der Mei
Associate Director of Guest Services
California Academy of Sciences


Leah Van der Mei is the Director of Guest Operations at the California Academy of Sciences. Van der Mei joined the Academy in 2008 as the Contact Center Manager during the grand re-opening of the museum. She was instrumental in developing procedures and systems that improved the overall guest experience. In 2015, she was promoted to her current role overseeing the 100+ guest facing staff and exhibit operations. Van der Mei has also been a longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities in the workforce. She serves on several committees in the community including: the ADA Coordinator for the San Francisco Mayor’s Office on Disability, Bay Area Arts Access Steering Committee and the Business Advisory Council for the Arc of San Francisco. Van der Mei has used her expertise to build a unique workforce development model at the Academy which was recently honored by the San Francisco Board of Education. Her passion for customer service and inclusion has helped make the California Academy of Sciences a leader in the accessibility and inclusion arena.

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