Newswise — The New England Aquarium announced today that its Board of Trustees had voted unanimously to appoint Howard ("Bud" ) Ris as the organization's next President & Chief Executive Officer. Ris, 57, is currently a Senior Fellow at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. He will be returning to Boston where he had previously been President and Executive Director of the Union of Concerned Scientists from 1984 to 2003.
Ris will provide the overall leadership, vision and direction to the Aquarium's multi-faceted marine conservation efforts that include its landmark, waterfront exhibit space, extensive education programs with teachers and students, marine animal rescue efforts in New England and ocean research projects around the world.
R. William Burgess, Jr., Chair of the Board of Trustees, commented that"Bud's excellent background on environmental issues and his extensive networks throughout the scientific community will help the Aquarium in its core mission of protecting and presenting the world of water. Bud has been at the forefront of debate on key issues such as climate change, and first began his career working on marine conservation and coastal zone management. We look forward to having his talents focused on the considerable challenges facing the oceans."
Walter J. Flaherty, who has served as the Aquarium's Interim President & CEO since February 2005, will continue as its Executive Vice President, COO & Treasurer. Flaherty noted, "Bud Ris stood out among an exceptional pool of international candidates throughout the search. Everyone involved in the selection process was impressed not only with his competence and capabilities, but by his vision, commitment and affability. Bud has a demonstrated ability to build relationships across a broad range of constituents."
Currently, Ris has a one year appointment has a Senior Fellow in the Center for Global Insight at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva, Switzerland. The WEF is known internationally for its Davos symposiums, which bring business, government and other leaders together from around the world to address global issues. At the WEF, Ris heads up a collaborative project with the British government in which 25 major global companies are advising Prime Minister Blair on the climate change agenda for the G8 Summit in early July.
From 1984 to 2003, Ris served as the chief executive officer of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Under his leadership, the UCS grew from a handful of scientists working on nuclear arms control into one of the nation's most influential and respected non-profit groups, with a staff of 80 and membership exceeding 100,000. UCS's science-based work encompasses a broad range of environmental and security issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and agriculture, all of which impact or relate to conservation of the marine environment. Under Mr. Ris's leadership, the organization gained extensive support within the scientific community and a strong reputation for presenting complex scientific information to the public in innovative and effective ways.
Board chair Burgess said, "The New England Aquarium has been a pioneer in the arenas of ocean education and marine conservation. We are confident that Bud will lead the Aquarium to a dynamic, new period of helping the public discover and better understand the importance of the world of water. He brings an outstanding track record of exceptional organizational management, fundraising, and strategic vision. The Board of Trustees is truly excited about our new leadership team."
Mr. Ris has been a resident of the Boston area for thirty years and will return home from Europe with his wife, Margaret, at the end of August. His love for the oceans extends well beyond his professional interests -- he is an avid sailor with many hours spent racing in Boston Harbor off the Aquarium's pier.
The New England Aquarium is dedicated to presenting, promoting and protecting the world of water. Located on Boston's waterfront, the Aquarium is among the most popular cultural attractions in the region drawing nearly 1.3 million visitors in 2004. The New England Aquarium is also a recognized leader in marine conservation and research efforts throughout the world.
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