GA Aquarium CEO, A 'Dynamic Thinker,' Dies, Staff Says

ATLANTA, GA — Dr. Brian Davis, Georgia Aquarium president and chief executive officer, has died, the aquarium announced Tuesday.

Davis had been with the aquarium since before its 2005 opening, staff said. His cause of death was not revealed.

Executive Vice President Travis Burke will be the aquarium's interim CEO, 13WMAZ reported Wednesday.

"Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the education and zoological fields. Furthermore, he was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating a caring and diverse space at the aquarium," staff said in a statement released on Facebook.

Staff said Davis was a "dynamic thinker" who was a leader of innovation and growth at the aquarium. Staff added the aquarium was "better because of Brian."

“We are heartbroken by this news," Steve Koonin, board chairman of the Georgia Aquarium. "Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom and imagination."

In coming days, operations at the aquarium may be limited as employees grieve, staff said.