MS Aquarium has hired interim director. Here’s more about the experienced pick
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mississippi Aquarium names Jeff Gibula interim CEO as Kurt Allen departs
- Gibula has nearly 30 years’ experience in aquarium operations and facility management
- A comprehensive search is being conducted for a permanent director
An experienced Mississippi Aquarium employee has been selected as interim director of the tourist attraction, with the departure of CEO and president Kurt Allen expected at month’s end.
The aquarium’s Board of Directors and the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission, which manages city properties and oversaw the aquarium’s construction, has named Jeff Gibula interim CEO.
The board and commission members plan “a comprehensive search” for a permanent president and CEO as Allen moves on to an opportunity in South Florida, a news release from the nonprofit aquarium says.
Allen was the aquarium’s inaugural director and came on board before its opening in August 2020.
Gibula has almost 30 years of experience in the aquarium field, the news release says. He’s held roles across the country in facility and zoological operations. He’s filled multiple roles at the Mississippi Aquarium since coming aboard in October 2019. He most recently has served as senior vice president of property operations.
In that role, the news release says, he manages facilities, operations, housekeeping and animal care.
“The board and GRC are confident in his ability to provide steady leadership during this transition period,” the two groups said in the news release.
Gibula said he’s honored to step into the interim CEO’s role.
“We have such talented and knowledgeable individuals that really make the magic happen every single day across the entire facility — both front of house and behind the scenes,” he said in the news release. “Mississippi Aquarium’s focus remains on delivering meaningful guest experiences, maintaining operational excellence, and building on the momentum already underway.
“I am grateful to the Board, GRC, and the city of Gulfport for their continued stewardship of Mississippi Aquarium, as well as those in the community and across the region who have visited or invested in our important mission. This facility has already made an incredible impact along the Coast in just five short years, and I look forward to working alongside our team to further strengthen our impact in the community and beyond.”
The aquarium is spread across a campus on U.S. 90 in downtown Gulfport that explores the Mississippi Coast’s unique environment, from rivers to oceans. It includes interactive exhibits and an acrylic tunnel in the main indoor tank.
The news release says the aquarium has received numerous “awards and accolades, including Best Tourist Attraction, Best Attractions for Kids, Top 10 Most Beautiful Aquariums in the U.S., and most recently, Best Summer Camp.”
This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 3:02 PM.
