October 18, 2024

Seattle Aquarium

Davidson

After more than 20 years of service to the Seattle Aquarium and following the grand opening of the new Ocean Pavilion expansion on Aug. 29, President and CEO Bob Davidson has announced his retirement. He will remain in his role at the Seattle Aquarium until a successor is appointed in summer 2025. Davidson became the president and CEO of the newly nonprofit Seattle Aquarium in 2010, after serving as CEO of the Seattle Aquarium Society since 2002. He's played a pivotal role in enhancing the nonprofit's board and expanding its programs, solidifying its mission both locally and nationally. Under his leadership, the Seattle Aquarium has become the largest marine conservation institution in the northwestern United States, transforming from a local aquarium into a globally recognized conservation organization. Under Davidson's leadership, the vision for the Ocean Pavilion expansion began to take shape in 2014, with LMN Architects and Thinc Design leading the conceptual design. Construction commenced in 2019, with financial support coming from over 4,000 donors and the city of Seattle, the state of Washington, King County, the Port of Seattle, and the federal government. Davidson's career spans public service, business, and leadership roles within the Woodland Park Zoo. He was a leader in the $45 million project to revitalize Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, Zoological Society board president and later as its executive director and CEO. He received the Woodland Park Zoological Society Medal for his efforts to revitalize the zoo in 1994 and served as vice chair of the King County Zoo Bond Oversight Committee. Spencer Stuart, a search and leadership advisory consulting firm, is leading the search for the Seattle Aquarium's new president and CEO.