Aquarium makes a splash with executive hire

TAMPA — The Florida Aquarium has appointed Margo Wolanin as its new chief development officer.

Wolanin, according to a press release, brings to the Tampa institution a wealth of fundraising and capital campaign experience, as well as a proven track record of developing and leading teams.

 “We are excited to have an executive with Margo’s fundraising expertise and relationship-building and leadership experience to strategically lead our philanthropic efforts that further our mission in Tampa Bay and across our state,” states Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann in the release. “Her passion for animals, conservation and education, combined with her passion for people, is invaluable as the Florida Aquarium focuses on growing essential resources needed to address the critical environmental needs in our backyard and across our state.
 
Wolanin was most recently senior associate vice president of development for the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV), where she raised $48 million in new gifts and pledges, the release states.

  “I’m humbled and pleased to join the Florida Aquarium family and look forward to contributing to protecting and restoring the blue planet by creating a culture of philanthropy,” Wolanin states in the release. “I look forward to educating the community about how the Florida Aquarium is excited to be a philanthropic opportunity and investment of choice.”