N.C. Aquarium Society Director, Jay Barnes, Awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine

By Julie Powers

Atlantic Beach, NC - Jay Barnes, the long-time director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine upon his retirement from the position. The award from Gov. Beverly Perdue is one of the highest civilian honors in North Carolina, recognizing outstanding service to the state.

Barnes retired Oct. 31 after 20 years as Director at Pine Knoll Shores, and a total of 30 years with the North Carolina Aquariums Division. David Griffin, Division Director, presented Barnes with retirement certificates from the state and from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In December, Barnes joins the North Carolina Aquarium Society as its development director. He will be based in Pine Knoll Shores. The membership-based Aquarium Society supports exhibits, programs and operations at the three North Carolina Aquariums.

To view North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores' web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-728-North_Carolina_Aquarium_at_Pine_Knoll_Shores