Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Chief Executive Officer, Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, was elected the 2025-2027 World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Council Vice President. Whitbred-Spanoulis has served on the WAZA Council as a regional representative since 2023.
Council elections are voted by WAZA’s voting members. This year, 86 percent of WAZA voting members participated in the election.
“Cynthia’s election is a testament to her leadership and to the global regard for the Virginia Aquarium’s work,” said Daniel Peterson, Chair of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. “From conservation and animal welfare to education and sustainability, our organization’s impact is recognized around the world. We’re proud to see Cynthia serve in this role and help shape the future of the global zoo and aquarium community.”
WAZA is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, and zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. WAZA is the third largest funder of conservation globally, and a trusted leader advancing animal welfare and conservation.
The WAZA council helps lead the organization’s vision and promote cooperation between leading zoos and aquariums. With 400 members around the world, WAZA encourages the highest standard of husbandry and commits its members to tackling global issues such as the illegal wildlife trade, coral‑reef restoration, marine litter, sustainable palm oil and climate change.
Whitbred-Spanoulis has been with the City of Virginia Beach since 1996, serving as the President and CEO of the Virginia Aquarium since 2017. Prior service includes her role as Deputy Director of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and City of Virginia Beach History Museums, and her service with the Department of Aquarium and Museums. Additionally, Whitbred-Spanoulis was the Strategy and Performance Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach’s Department of Economic Development. In that role, she was responsible for the coordination, marketing, media advertising, public relations, budgeting, and special projects within the department.
This election tops a collection of recent accolades for the Aquarium’s CEO including Whitbred-Spanoulis’ recognition last year as Blooloop’s top 50 most influential people in the zoo and aquarium industry, and recently as Virginia Business’ Women in Leadership award.
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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