Meet the Aquarium Director - May - Jay Barnes, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Name: Jay Barnes

Actual title: Aquarium Director

Name of your zoo or aquarium: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

URL for your facility: www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores

Number of species at your facility: Over 250

Your favorite critter at the facility: Tie: Goliath Grouper / Sand Tiger Shark

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: Over 5,000

Number of visitors annually: 386,000

Number of employees: Approximately 90

Number of volunteers: Over 150

Annual budget: Approximately $3.6 million

Degree(s): EDP Environmental Design (Product Design), N.C. State University; MFA Advertising Design, Syracuse University

Experience prior to this position: I began my career with the Aquarium in 1980, when I was hired as the first Exhibits Curator. In 1987, I relocated to Raleigh and worked as Design Consultant in our division office, supporting the staffs of the three North Carolina Aquariums. In 1989, I moved back to Pine Knoll Shores to take the position as director.

Favorite part of your job: Hearing from visitors, donors and community leaders about the impact of the Aquarium, the excitement and fun of our offerings and the friendliness of our staff.

One dream wish for your facility: To see the Aquarium continue to prosper through facility growth (new educational ocean pier), educational impact, and self-reliance.

Family: wife Robin, daughters Heather and Lindsey

Pets at home: Golden and Lab: Tanner and Jasmine

When you retire, you plan to: Write, paint, teach, travel and continue advocacy for the North Carolina Aquariums