New Company
The Florida Aquarium
New Position
Chief Development Officer
New Company Website
Former Company
H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute
Former Position
Associate Vice President of Philanthropy
Coming off the announcement of historic growth and expansion in the Aquarium’s 25th year, The Florida Aquarium is pleased to announce Kara Wagner has accepted the position of Chief Development Officer (CDO). Her first day will be February 27.
In her new role, Wagner will drive philanthropic efforts by expanding local, state, and national relationships with supporters, donors, and the broader community. Building on the Aquarium’s extensive fundraising structure and team, Wagner will be responsible for leading initiatives that support the Aquarium’s $27M annual operating budget, while building on the current endowment and cash reserves in support of the 5-year strategic plan and the recently announced $14M capital campaign.
“We are excited to have someone with Kara’s impressive record of philanthropic achievements added to our executive team,” said Roger Germann President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “As The Florida Aquarium begins to embark on ambitious initiatives in the coming years, Kara’s extensive values-driven leadership style, consistent record of fundraising success, passion for conservation and learning, and continued commitment to elevating the Aquarium’s mission throughout the Tampa Bay region and across the nation are essential to our long-term success.”
Wagner is coming to The Florida Aquarium from H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute, where she serves as Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, responsible for individual and family giving, planned giving, foundation relations, annual giving, corporate and community, and event management teams.
“This is an exciting time for The Florida Aquarium as they not only celebrate 25 years in the community, but have their vision set on expanding their mission and operations to do even more to serve Tampa Bay, the state of Florida and the nation,” said Wagner, “I look forward to working with this talented team, Board, donors and community of supporters at the regions premier not-for-profit cultural institution. From a philanthropic standpoint, there is literally an ‘ocean of opportunities’ ahead.”
With nearly 15 years of proven experience in the advancement/development profession, Wagner has a history of success with securing funds and cultivating relationships with donors, corporations, and foundations. Kara is no stranger to The Florida Aquarium, as she and her family are frequent visitors, and her daughters are enthusiastic participants in the award-winning “Aqua Camps.”
