Mississippi Aquarium CEO leaving for new role

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- Mississippi Aquarium’s CEO is leaving the Mississippi Coast at the end of this month for a new career opportunity in Florida.

Kurt Allen joined the aquarium team in 2018 before the facility even opened and was named CEO in May 2020.

Allen was instrumental in building the aquarium team and overseeing the facility’s construction ahead of its opening.

In the past five years, Allen has also overseen expansion and community outreach efforts in his time at the aquarium as well.

In a statement, Allen says he’s proud of what the aquarium team has accomplished under his leadership and says the facility is positioned for future growth and success.

The aquarium’s board of directors and Gulfport Redevelopment Commission will appoint an interim CEO soon as the search begins for a new permanent leader.