Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Virginia Beach, VA – Conservation is a cornerstone of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission, and now, longtime staff member Karen Burns leads the Aquarium in advancing conservation actions, initiatives, partnerships, and learning efforts as the Vice President of Conservation. Burns was promoted to this role in December 2025.
The Vice President of Conservation role is a new position for the Virginia Aquarium, which collaborates across sections on conservation tactics and communication. Before stepping into the role, Burns served as the Aquarium’s Guest Engagement Supervisor for five years, where she managed interpretive programming, gallery education, community partnerships, behind-the-scenes tours, guest operations, special events, and program partnerships.
“Karen has been instrumental in shaping our education and guest engagement strategies, and her leadership has already made a lasting impact,” said Chief Operating Officer Karolyn Walker. “Karen’s passion, vision, and commitment to conservation make her the perfect fit for this role, and we are excited to see how she will continue to elevate our work and inspire others.”
The Vice President of Conservation role will expand collaborations with like-minded organizations, strategic planning, community engagement, and build meaningful partnerships, including the Sensible Seafood program, which Burns helped launch in 2008. The Sensible Seafood Program leads responsible fishery and seafood practices by working with restaurants and businesses committed to offering sustainable seafood options.
“In this new role, I plan to integrate and embed conservation messages across all aspects of our education programming, from early learning to camps to daily presentations, keeper talks, and exhibit design; thereby building a culture of conservation education in our institution,” says Karen Burns, Vice President of Conservation. “Conservation education should not only promote wonder and excitement about the natural world but also make conservation issues relevant to our audiences' own lives, thereby inspiring behavioral change and action for species, ecosystems, and communities.”
This past March, Burns celebrated 30 years as a full-time employee at the Virginia Aquarium, starting full-time as the Girl Scout overnight program coordinator. Prior, Burns had been with the Aquarium since 1993, when she started as a part-time educator.
“In my 30 years at the Aquarium, I have been very lucky to work with some amazing young people. I feel that one of the most important roles I've had at the Aquarium has been mentoring those starting their careers in marine science,” said Burns.
In her career, Burns’ notably collaborated with a team of education specialists from aquariums across the country to develop and pilot a university course called Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences (COSIA), which teaches future scientists how to communicate science more effectively to the public. 20 years later, this collaborative course is still offered each spring semester at Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Wesleyan University in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium.
Burns is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), International Zoo (and Aquarium) Educators Association (IZE), National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), the Mid-Atlantic Marine Educators Association (MAMEA), and the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). Burns was also recently welcomed as a Board member for Aid Another and is a board member of the Virginia Beach Kiwanis Club.
“My time at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has helped me grow in ways I could never have imagined, both professionally and personally. I’m truly excited to step into this new role and see where it takes me,” said Burns.
Read more about the Aquarium’s conservation efforts on their website.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
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