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Georgia Aquarium Celebrates a Wave of Prestigious Nominations in 2025
Georgia Aquarium is making a splash nationwide with a series of exciting nominations that highlight its dedication to marine life, education, and unforgettable guest experiences.
🏅 Newsweek Readers’ Choice: One of the Country’s Best Aquariums
Georgia Aquarium was proudly named one of the country’s “Best Aquariums” by Newsweek readers. A testament to the world-class exhibits, engaging programs, and conservation efforts that continue to inspire millions of guests each year.
🌊 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Nominee
The Aquarium was also nominated for Best Aquarium in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This contest spotlights top attractions across the country. With incredible experiences like the Ocean Voyager tunnel and behind-the-scenes animal encounters, Georgia Aquarium continues to stand out as a must-visit destination. Vote for us here. Voting closes on May 10, 2025.
🎒 Camp H2O Nominated in the Best of Jewish Atlanta Times
Camp H2O, Georgia Aquarium’s beloved summer program, has been nominated for Best Day Camp in the 2025 Reader’s Choice Best of Jewish Atlanta Times. This fun, hands-on camp experience gives kids a chance to dive into marine biology and animal care in a truly unique setting. Vote for us here. Voting closes on April 30, 2025.
💙 Motherhood Loves Community Awards: Top Aquarium Winner
In the Motherhood Loves Community contest, Georgia Aquarium earned recognition as a Top Aquarium. The Aquarium was applauded for its family-friendly atmosphere and programs that create magical moments for kids and parents alike.
These nominations reflect the passion, care, and innovation that drive Georgia Aquarium every day. For more information on visiting or supporting the Aquarium, please visit georgiaaquarium.org.
Published on Apr 18, 2025.
SweetWater Brewing Partnership
Georgia Aquarium Announces Travis Burke as President and CEO
The Georgia Aquarium Board of Directors has announced the selection of Travis Burke (pronounced BURR-key) as the new President and CEO. Burke, who has been serving as Interim CEO since the passing of Dr. Brian Davis in August 2024, brings more than 25 years of global experience in marine animal care, aquatic attractions and a deep commitment to advancing the Aquarium’s mission of connecting guests with the wonders of the ocean and protecting marine life.
Steve Koonin, Chairman of the Board of Georgia Aquarium, expressed his confidence in Burke’s leadership. “Travis has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and capability as Interim CEO. His extensive expertise and passion for marine life and education make him the ideal leader to guide Georgia Aquarium into its next chapter.”
Burke, a seasoned leader in the aquarium community, shared his gratitude and vision for the Aquarium’s future. “It is an immense honor to serve as President and CEO of Georgia Aquarium, and I am excited for its future. I am focused on further enhancing our conservation efforts, community outreach, sustainability, and aquarium innovation. As I step into this role officially, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a steward of the great work achieved in the last 20 years and to have a part in ushering in the next 20 years and beyond, and perhaps most importantly, continue to bring the ocean to millions of people each year.”
Burke came to Georgia Aquarium in 2023 as Executive Vice President. In this role, Burke helped manage the teams to some of its best attendance years and to the achievement of Top Workplace of 2024 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a career spanning decades and continents, Burke’s expertise includes finance and management, park development, mergers and acquisitions, and operations across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. His previous roles, including executive leadership positions in zoological and conservation organizations, as well as the travel and tourism industry have positioned him as a global leader.
As President and CEO, Burke will oversee all aspects of Georgia Aquarium’s operations and strategy, focusing on strengthening its conservation initiatives, expanding public programs, and enhancing the guest experience. Burke will be assuming the CEO position at an exciting time, as the Aquarium prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary on November 23, 2025, and begins to lay the groundwork for the next 20 years.
For Travis Burke’s headshot and additional photos, click here.
Photo credit: Georgia Aquarium
For more information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org
Celebrating 20 Years of Georgia Aquarium
Honoring Bernie Marcus’s Legacy
Georgia Aquarium honors the life and legacy of our founder, Bernie Marcus. His vision and generosity made Georgia Aquarium a reality, transforming it from a dream to a world-class destination that has welcomed over 40 million visitors. We are thankful for his support and vision and look back in gratitude on his incredible achievements.
Bernie Marcus dedicated his life to philanthropic causes and is the reason Georgia Aquarium exists today. What began as a vision to build an aquarium in downtown Atlanta, as a gift back to the city that gave him so much, became an endeavor that changed not only the city but the aquarium industry as a whole.
Through his imagination and tenacity, he conceptualized and created Georgia Aquarium. His commitment to excellence drew together world-class experts in animal care, research, and aquarium design, creating a place where guests from around the world could experience the wonders of the ocean firsthand. His vision for a transformative institution helped revitalize downtown Atlanta, turning it into a lively center for tourism, education, and community engagement. Through his leadership, the Aquarium became a beacon of discovery and conservation, inspiring millions and igniting a spirit of stewardship for aquatic life.
Bernie envisioned Georgia Aquarium as a place for all, a space where everyone could experience the magic of the ocean, regardless of background. He especially valued access for young minds, creating opportunities for school children to visit, learn, and be inspired. Since opening, Georgia Aquarium has welcomed nearly 1.7 million students on field trips. Through outreach programs, the Aquarium has connected with over 25,000 students, taking marine science beyond our walls and into the community. This dedication to education was at the heart of Bernie’s mission, ensuring that future generations grow up with a passion for our oceans and a drive to protect them.
We are forever grateful for his vision, his generosity, and his determination. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Billi, his family, and all who cherished him. Bernie’s impact will forever be felt here at Georgia Aquarium.
Published on Nov 12, 2024.