Georgia Aquarium Head Leaves for Ohio

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – Jeffrey Swanagan is leaving his position as the aquarium's President and Chief Executive Officer, a job he's held since the aquarium opened in 2002. Swanagan is taking a similar job at the Columbus Aquarium. The Ohio native began his career at the Columbus Zoo nearly 30 years ago.

His last day is June 13th, after which Mike Leven will take over on an interim basis. Leven is a member of the Georgia Aquarium's Board of Directors. He tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he has no plans to seek the top job on a permanent basis.

The announcement comes just a week after the aquarium announced major expansion plans a $110 million dolphin exhibit expected to open in 2010.

The aquarium should announce a new head no later than year's end.

Jim Burress. WABE News.