Roger Germann is the president and chief executive officer of the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience, he is one of the zoological community’s top leaders and strategists. Since joining the aquarium in 2017, he has worked to elevate the institution to the highest of standards in animal care and welfare, human resources, education and conservation.
In August 2022, the Florida Aquarium announced a major $40 million expansion project. This includes a unique exhibit gallery, a state-of-the-art African penguin habitat, and the first California sea lion exhibit on Florida’s west coast. The expansion enhances the guest experience and reinforces the Florida Aquarium’s commitment to animal care and welfare.
In 2023, Germann and his team celebrated a historic milestone – welcoming one million guests to the iconic cultural attraction for the first time. He has already expanded the guest experience to offer new world-class animal habitats and exhibits, and increased attendance and revenue. He has transformed the Florida Aquarium into a conservation-based organisation, not least with the opening of a $4m sea turtle rehabilitation center. Germann has also invested in coral research.
“With everything we do, from our exhibits to our customer service to our animal care; our conservation, education, community, we just need to step up and become the Florida Aquarium,” Germann told blooloop. “I want people to see us as that and I also want them to see that we are changing the world. Right here, in Tampa and the Tampa Bay region. I want people around the globe to recognize the good work we’re doing.”
Before joining the Florida Aquarium, Germann was executive vice president of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for more than 16 years. He was instrumental in establishing a global campaign to save wildlife from extinction.
Also, Germann has been appointed to several influential boards, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, advocating for conservation and sustainability on a larger scale and ensuring that the impact of the Florida Aquarium is felt far beyond Tampa Bay. In 2024, he was elected to Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.
In the local community, he serves on the boards of Visit Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. He has been in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 for the past three years. In addition, he supports local community organisations and causes, including mentoring students from underserved areas across Tampa Bay.