Thursday, June 12, 2025
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center appointed Interim Chief Operating Officer, Karolyn Walker, as the new Chief Operating Officer where she will oversee and manage daily Aquarium operations with an annual visitation of over 500,000. In this role, Walker will continue to lead the Aquarium’s guest experience, private events, education, marketing, facilities, life support, and exhibit technicians.
“I look forward to continuing to collaborate with these dedicated and supportive team members in this role.” said Walker. “By combining our strengths, we can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that offers meaningful experiences for volunteers, staff, and guests, all while prioritizing our mission and values.”
Walker has been with the Virginia Aquarium for nearly 17 years and has served on the leadership team since 2018. Prior to this new position, Walker served as the Vice President of Guest Experience where she managed a large team including retail, membership, guest services, guest engagement, private events, and admissions. In this role, Walker emphasized the importance of conservation, using sustainable practices, as well as focusing on organization and efficiency. During her term as Vice President of Guest Experiences, Walker was an integral part of facilitating smooth transitions of new service vendors, developing strategic plans, and spearheading development and implementation of re-opening plans following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Karolyn brings unmatched experience and leadership to this role with years of collaboration and management across numerous Aquarium sections and initiatives,” said Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis. “With her first-hand knowledge and ambitious goals, I know she will continue to strengthen this organization for long-term success.”
Broadening her experience in preparation for her current role, Walker served as Interim Vice President of Animal Care for nearly a year in conjunction with her previous role, overseeing the animal care, dive team, and animal programs.
Prior to her role as a vice president, Walker served at the Director of Operations & Guest Services in 2014, the Museum Retail Operations Coordinator in 2011, and began her Aquarium career in 2008 as the Guest Services Assistant Supervisor.
Walker takes this role following her predecessor Caryl Thompson’s retirement in December 2024.
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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