Georgia Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Brian L. Davis died suddenly on Tuesday. He was 50.
Davis was not ill and his death was unexpected, according to reports. No cause of death was revealed.
The Georgia Aquarium announced “the passing of our leader, friend, and mentor, president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis,” in an emotional statement on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom, and imagination,” Steve Koonin, Chairman of the board of Georgia Aquarium said in a statement.
“He was a really supportive, caring individual,” said Atlanta radio personality and philanthropist Frank Ski (left).
Ski said Davis was supportive of his Frank Ski Kids Foundation, which introduces inner city kids to science, technology, athletics and the arts.
“Davis had an ability to bring out the best in children,” Ski said.
Ski recalls that Davis once opened the aquarium and let 500 kids in for free, “kids that would have never had the opportunity to visit the aquarium,” he said.
In another tribute, Central Atlanta Progress said Davis “is survived by his wife, Dr. Andrea Davis, three children, and two grandchildren.”
The Georgia Aquarium will have limited operations over the next few days to allow staff members to grieve, AJC.com reported.
District 4 Atlanta City Council member Jason Dozier released the following statement after the passing of Georgia Aquarium CEO Brian Davis on Aug. 6:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Brian Davis, CEO of the Georgia Aquarium. Dr. Davis was a visionary leader whose… pic.twitter.com/eOsCheMczh
— Atlanta City Council (@atlcouncil) August 7, 2024
Davis was one of the aquarium’s first employees before it opened in downtown Atlanta in 2005.
He joined the aquarium in 2003 as its director of education, according to his LinkedIn page. Davis worked on and off at the Aquarium before becoming its executive vice president in June 2018. He became president and CEO in January 2020.
Davis was also an assistant administrator at Cobb County Schools and the president and CEO of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in Connecticut.
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of our former President and CEO Dr. Brian Davis. For over four years he led The Maritime Aquarium with a type of professionalism and enthusiasm that still shines through today—from the staff he hired, to the Trustees he… pic.twitter.com/v44XnSzAB8
— The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (@MaritimeAqua) August 7, 2024
I feel offended!!!!
Why didn’t someone say they had a black CEO ?
— The World Greatest Entertainer ??? (@DeavonteMorris) August 7, 2024
Crazy all these CEO’s dying all of a sudden
— Guy M. ?? (@AlphaInTheOasis) August 7, 2024
