Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s new CEO shakes up leadership team

Clearwater Marine Aquarium has shuffled its leadership team, with CEO Joe Handy, who came aboard last year, appointing a new COO and several other key roles as the nonprofit institution begins work on its new manatee rehabilitation center and prepares to seek Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation.

According to a news release, Anthony Rivera, formerly of the Georgia Aquarium, where he served as senior vice president of operations and hospitality, has been named COO. He has also held leadership positions at Madame Tussauds New York and the American Museum of Natural History.

James “Buddy” Powell, the release states, will serve as CMA’s chief zoological officer. Prior to Handy’s arrival last year, he served as the aquarium’s interim CEO and he will continue to lead the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.