NEW ROLE, SVP OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

In July, Tony Rokita joined The Florida Aquarium leadership as the Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Social Responsibility. In this newly appointed position, Rokita will have a keen focus on social justice issues and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives with both employees and volunteers while also engaging local underserved communities through meaningful partnerships.

Rokita comes to the Aquarium following a three-decade career with the Chicago Bulls NBA franchise where he had a similar role.

Over the past year, we were able to attract and engage 657 individuals from all walks of life, who serve across the entire organization from animal care and health to conservation to guest engagement, development and more. Over the course of FY22, these dedicated volunteers combined to donate 37,366 hours.

As a testament to our success in this area, Melissa Dude, our Volunteer Services Manager, was recognized as a thought leader; representing the Aquarium at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Annual Conference. Melissa presented on best practices for volunteer program recruitment and diversity.

As a time-honored tradition, we hosted our Volunteer Service Appreciation Dinner, this year on May 1. Patrick McGirk was recognized during the event as Volunteer of the Year. A four-year volunteer and former teacher, Patrick is instrumental in our coral conservation program, especially in the protection of mountainous star coral. As one of many contributions, he developed a simple tent of bamboo skewers, designed to protect newly outplanted coral from predation.

While Patrick’s story is indeed impressive, he is but one of a cadre of exemplary individuals who give back to the community by donating their time and talents to our organization. Having become a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), a national service award honoring those whose service positively impacts their community, in FY22, The Florida Aquarium presented more than 45 Presidential Service Awards to our dedicated and deserving volunteers.