The president and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium has died.
Dr. Brian Davis, who had a doctorate in education from Georgia State University, died suddenly on Tuesday.
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The cause of his death has not yet been released.
“Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous mark in the educational and zoological fields,” according to the Georgia Aquarium’s Press release.
“Additionally, he was a beautifully compassionate human being who uplifted others and was dedicated to creating a diverse and caring space at the Aquarium.”
He added, “He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making the Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place.”
Davis was one of the Aquarium’s first employees before it opened in 2005.
He was Vice President of Education and Training from June 2010 to December 2014 and Executive Vice President from June 2018 to January 2020, according to his LinkedIn.
Davis assumed the role of president and CEO in January 2020.
“Brian’s indelible mark made everyone he knew better – we are better because of Brian,” according to the press release.
“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom and imagination,” said Steve Koonin, Georgia Aquarium board chairman.
Activities at the aquarium were limited and employees were given a few days off to grieve.
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‘SHOCKING’
Aquarius also posted her statement to Facebook, where she was flooded with support and condolences.
“Shocking. May Dr. Davis’ family find some solace in the legacy he leaves at the Georgia Aquarium,” one person wrote.
“Oh my god! My heart is breaking for my aquarium family,” one user recalled
I worked with Brian when he led the Aquarium’s education team and he was always very personable and focused on a people-first mentality that I always respected.”
Brian’s indelible mark made everyone he knew better – we are better because of Brian.
Georgia Aquarium press release
Another person also remembered time spent with Davis.
“Brian made me feel like the most interesting and important person in the world when he spoke to me. His intelligence, charisma and passion for his work are unmatched,” they shared.
“What a stunning loss. So much love to your family and your professional families.”
“Shocked. Absolutely shocked. He was always an electric presence in any room or meeting I was in with him,” wrote another saddened user.
“He cared deeply about what the aquarium stood for and, of course, the well-being of the staff. I am very saddened by this. Sending all my love to the GA Aquarium staff, his friends and family.”
The Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, and the San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, Texas, were also devastated by the news and sent their condolences.
“Thoughts with everyone at the Georgia Aquarium,” wrote Mystic Aquarium.
Tim Morrow, president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, wrote: “We at the San Antonio Zoo are shocked and saddened by this news. We send our thoughts and prayers to the aquarium team and the communities where Brian impacted.”
“He was a friend and mentor to me and I will miss him dearly.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
