KURE BEACH — Local aquarium director Hap Fatzinger has been tapped to run the statewide division.
Fatzinger has led the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for the last five years and will take over as the director for the North Carolina Aquariums Division Jan. 15. He was chosen by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
“I’m honored to serve as director of the North Carolina Aquariums, a division recognized as leaders in conservation,” Fatzinger said in a release. “Grateful to be in good company among the state’s greatest treasures, I look forward to supporting a passionate team, the foundation of our success, and welcoming the more than 1.4 million guests who visit our sites every year.”
Former director Maylon White retired in June after leading the division since 2019. As director, Fatzinger will oversee the entire North Carolina Aquariums Division made up of aquariums in Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island, as well as Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head.
He will also work closely with the board and staff of the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the nonprofit that manages fundraising and development for the facilities and conservation initiatives.
With 25 years of aquarium experience, Fatzinger began his role as a volunteer and moved up the ranks during his initial 18-year tenure with the Kure Beach location. For 13 of those years, he oversaw the care of thousands of animals as the aquarium curator.
In 2015, Fatzinger left Kure Beach to take the role of director at the Pine Knoll Shores aquarium where he led for four years before returning to New Hanover County.
Fatzinger holds a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of the Virgin Islands. He also serves on several committees including the international Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Savings Animals from Extinction, Sharks and Rays, Aquatic Sustainability Committee and the advisory committee for Aquarium Affairs.
“Hap Fatzinger brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and strong leadership skills to his new role,” DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson said in a press release. “His energy and commitment to conservation and sustainability, education, and animal care make him the ideal choice to lead our North Carolina Aquariums to even greater successes in these areas.”
Visitor Services Coordinator Joanna Zazzali will serve as acting director of the Fort Fisher Aquarium until a new director is chosen.
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