Brian L. Davis, Ph.D., was the president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Brian was a leader, friend, and mentor and an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the educational and zoological fields. He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve together. He was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating caring and diverse spaces – whether in the classroom or at the Western hemisphere’s largest aquarium. Brian was a giant in leadership and touched so many lives through his compassion and infectious personality. We are all better for having known Brian.
Brian was one of the first employees at Georgia Aquarium in 2003 at its founding. He was integral in the planning of the Aquarium’s 2005 opening in his role as director of education, later serving as vice president of education and then executive vice president of operations.
Prior to becoming president and CEO of Georgia Aquarium in 2020, Brian served as president and CEO at Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT where he oversaw the enhancement of that aquarium’s footprint.
A fierce advocate for public education and educational opportunity, Brian was a teacher and administrator in the Cobb County school system in Georgia and served as adjunct professor at the College of Education at Georgia State University and Mercer University. He also helped develop education programs at New York Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta.
During his impressive tenure at Georgia Aquarium, Brian championed the planning and opening of one of the largest shark galleries in the world and one of Georgia Aquarium’s largest expansions to date: Sharks! Predators of the Deep in late 2020. Not only was Brian at the helm during the construction of the one-million-gallon shark expansion, but he also took the reins of CEO at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world faced uncertainty, Brian led with tenacity and stability – even as the Aquarium closed its doors for three months, and reopened with precautions to keep staff, guests, and animals safe.
Under Brian’s leadership, Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium to be designated a Certified Autism Center, equipped with facilities and options for those with sensory sensitivities, and to be designated as a Center for Species Survival serving as a regional hub for species conservation. In 2024, Georgia Aquarium unveiled a new dolphin presentation and opened a new exhibit, Explorers Cove, under Brian’s tutelage.
One of the last recognitions awarded to Georgia Aquarium under Brian’s leadership was being named a Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and being awarded the DEI Award. Both honors came from staff feedback and the efforts put forth by leadership to remedy pain points and champion successes.
Brian served as chair of Central Atlanta Progress and sat on the boards of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He was also on the Georgia Tourism Board, of which he was appointed by Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp. Brian also served on the boards of Centennial Place Elementary School in Atlanta, Open Door Shelter, and NorwalkACTS.
Brian was the first Black CEO of an aquarium when he took the role at Maritime Aquarium and was the first Black chairman of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums board when he sat as its chair from 2021-2022. His family was immensely important to him, and he was unwavering in his commitment to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
A native of New Jersey, Brian graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, later earning his Master of Education and his Ph.D. in secondary science education at Georgia State University.
Brian’s passion for the ocean began at a young age during family vacations on the Jersey shore. A lifelong learner and educator, we are honoring Brian’s love for the ocean, science, and learning by providing opportunity to future generations.
As we remember him and continue his dedication to education access, Georgia Aquarium is establishing The Dr. Brian L. Davis Marine Biology, Conservation, and Education Scholarship Fund.
