Kurt Allen has been with the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, Mississippi, since December 2017. He initially served as senior vice president and chief operating officer, before taking on the role of president and chief executive officer in May 2020. Prior to joining the organisation, he was vice president and general manager of Marineland Dolphin Adventure, a subsidiary of Georgia Aquarium, for eight years.
From the Delta to the coast, the Mississippi Aquarium tells the incredible story of Mississippi’s natural resources, through the wetlands and marshes of the peaceful bayous, the thundering waters of the huge Mississippi River, to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Its three pillars are education, conservation and community.
Speaking to blooloop in August 2020, ahead of its grand opening, Allen explained Mississippi Aquarium’s core ethos: “What we internally strive to do is to be the premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring entertainment experience. One which supports animal research and conservation, inspires learning and instils a passion for the aquatic world.
“We exist to be the windows of the waters of the Mississippi, the Gulf Coast, and beyond. The Aquarium will foster a sense of appreciation by encouraging guests to explore majestic environments and play an active role in research and conservation efforts. Those objectives are what we think about when we make decisions.”
One nominator said:
“Kurt is always up for a challenge and embraces it with a smile on his face. His career has led him around the country, continually challenging him to lead and be the cheerleader for each organisation. His latest endeavour at the Mississippi Aquarium has also been a challenge. It’s not easy to help design, open and run a brand-new destination and Kurt took on the challenge with vigour. He has a team that supports him because he includes them and respects them and their knowledge. His business savvy and ability to talk about the wonders of the ocean to the public is wonderful and inspiring.”