Darryl Shaw will lead the Florida Aquarium’s upcoming $40 million capital campaign, called Sea Change.
The campaign is the Aquarium’s largest since opening, in 1995. Last year, the Aquarium unveiled plans for a major expansion that includes several new experiences, one of which is an outdoor California sea lion habitat.
“The Florida Aquarium is a community treasure and its impact goes far beyond our region’s borders,” said Shaw, in a statement. “Having a vibrant, thriving cultural attraction like the Florida Aquarium enhances our quality of life and places us on an international stage. I have no doubt the support for their continued growth will be well received by the community. The Channel District is proud to be home to The Florida Aquarium and I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role as they bring a new vision to the neighborhood, the region and the state.”
The Florida Aquarium’s project, which began this month, is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
“To have someone of Darryl’s stature chair this exciting next chapter is an honor and we are incredibly grateful for his willingness to support the Aquarium through his vision and leadership of this fundraising campaign,” said Roger Germann, The Florida Aquarium’s president and chief executive officer, in the statement.
