ATLANTA — Georgia Aquarium announced "with immense sadness" that the aquarium's CEO and President Brian Davis died, according to a statement from the aquarium.
"Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the education and zoological fields," the statement said. "He was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up."
A long-time employee and leader at the aquarium, Davis had been there from essentially the very start. They say he was one of the first employees at Georgia Aquarium before the famed Atlanta-based attraction opened its doors in 2005.
Then, since Davis was appointed as CEO in 2020, they say Davis had "led us through years of innovation and growth."
"He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place," the aquarium said. "Brian’s indelible imprint made all those he knew better – we are better because of Brian."
After his death, Georgia Aquarium says their main priority is "caring for staff," which could cause limited operations in the next few days.
“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom, and imagination,” Georgia Aquarium Board Chair Steve Koonin said in the statement.
They say while the news "has shaken us," the Board of Directors has appointed the Aquarium's executive Vice President Travis Burke as the aquarium's interim CEO.
"Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and all those that he touched throughout his life," the statement read. "Brian would have wanted us to find a path forward."
The statement does not include Davis' cause of death or how old he was.
