Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Virginia Beach, VA – After a competitive process, Evan Culbertson has been selected to join the leadership team as the new Vice President of Animal Care at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, effective September 19. In this new role, Culbertson will oversee the Aquarium’s husbandry team including dive operations and animal care.
“Over the years, Evan has proven himself to be an integral part of the Aquarium staff,” said Aquarium president and CEO, Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis. “He is well known for his expertise with corals, his exceptional communication skills, and his deep knowledge of marine life. We are excited to see how he will continue to make an impact in this new role.”
Culbertson has been at the Virginia Aquarium since December 2013, most recently in his role as Assistant Curator of Fishes, Herpetology, and Invertebrates. Prior to assistant curator, Culbertson joined the Aquarium as a Senior Aquarist. In these roles, Culbertson has been responsible for ensuring the welfare of animal populations, diving in open water and exhibits, managing staff, administering medical treatments, adhering to quarantine protocol, managing budget allocation, and more.
Culbertson has started three important conservation partnerships with the Virginia Aquarium including SECORE International, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project, and AZA Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Coral.
With a passion for coral reefs, Culbertson spends personal time contributing to AZA committees that focus on the conservation and management of corals.
Prior to his tenure at the Aquarium, Culbertson worked at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Orlando where he gained experience in all facets of aquarium husbandry.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and minor in Biology from Coastal Carolina University, Culbertson started his career working part-time in the University’s biology lab and completed two independent studies.
Culbertson is a certified open water Scuba diver, a certified advanced scuba diver, diver stress and rescue certified, and a marine mechanics certified technician.
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, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, 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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