Seattle Aquarium President & CEO Bob Davidson announces retirement after two decades of leadership

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.

“What moves me most about the Aquarium’s mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment is the profound connection we create between people and the ocean,” he shared. “Each visitor leaves with a greater understanding of their role in protecting our marine life and ecosystems.”

The Aquarium’s leadership and initiatives are focused on protecting and regenerating the world’s one ocean, combining work in Puget Sound to restore kelp and the endangered pinto abalone with work in the Coral Triangle to help “re-shark” the endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark.

Under Davidson’s leadership and in partnership with a multitude of skilled colleagues, the Seattle Aquarium has built partnerships with governments and nonprofits in Indonesia, focusing on conservation in the Coral Triangle, known as the “Amazon rainforest of the ocean” for its incredible biodiversity. “The goal is to tell the story of our one world ocean. What happens here in the Salish Sea has implications around the world, including the Coral Triangle in the Indo-Pacific,” Davidson said. “To inspire care for our one ocean, we need to highlight how we’re connected.”

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, bringing Davidson’s ambitious vision to life. The financial support has come from over 4,000 donors and the City of Seattle, the state of Washington, King County, the Port of Seattle, and the federal government.

“I am incredibly excited to see this decades-long plan come to fruition,” Davidson noted. “The Ocean Pavilion is not just an expansion; it’s a gateway for Seattle and our region to understanding our connection to the ocean.”

The culmination of these efforts was celebrated on August 29, 2024, with the grand opening of the Ocean Pavilion, featuring remarks from Governor Jay Inslee, Mayor Bruce Harrell, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Dr. Sylvia Earle, campaign chair Martha Kongsgaard, and Salish Tribal leaders.

“The opening of the Ocean Pavilion is a significant milestone in our journey,” Davidson reflected. “It represents a commitment to marine conservation and community engagement that will resonate for generations to come.”

On October 4th, the City of Seattle unveiled the Overlook Walk, which seamlessly connects downtown to Puget Sound. The new Ocean Pavilion and the magnificent public space on its roof make this possible, inviting all to reflect on our obligations to protect our environment. This project marks a pivotal moment in the city’s waterfront revitalization and positions the Ocean Pavilion as the “crown jewel” of Seattle’s new waterfront.

“Seeing this vision come to life reinforces the importance of public spaces that foster connection and appreciation for our environment,” Davidson said. “I believe the Ocean Pavilion will inspire future generations to cherish and protect our blue planet.”

Davidson’s extensive 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 as co-initiator of Mayor Royer’s Zoo Commission, Zoological Society board president and later as its Executive Director and CEO. These efforts paved the way for the zoo’s transition to nonprofit management in 2002. 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.

Davidson holds an A.B. from Harvard and an M.B.A. from the University of Washington Foster School of Business. He has served in senior government positions at the federal and state levels. He has also held executive positions in manufacturing, private finance, and acquisition management.

He has served on the AZA Aquarium Affairs Committee and on the board of Inspire Washington. He served on the Central Waterfront Committee and its executive committee as co-chair of the Long-Term Stewardship Committee, and on the advisory committee on tolling and traffic management for the Washington SR 99 tunnel project. He is past board president of the Northwest Development Officers Association (now Advancement Northwest) and received its Professional Achievement Award in 2011.

Spencer Stuart, one of the world’s top search and leadership advisory consulting firms, is leading the search for the Seattle Aquarium’s new President and CEO. Mary Gorman and Susan Clifford are members of the firm’s Education & Social Impact Practice and work exclusively with nonprofit organizations as they navigate leadership transitions. Jason Baumgarten, the Seattle-based member of the team, is the head of the firm’s Global Board and CEO Practice and leads sustainability efforts at Spencer Stuart.

As Davidson prepares to step down next year, he offers this parting wisdom: “Take time to appreciate the impact we can all make, no matter how small. Every action counts in the journey toward conservation.”