Florida Aquarium CEO appointed to Southwest Florida Water Management District

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a Tampa Bay area executive to the Southwest Florida Water Management District Tuesday.

Roger Germann is President and CEO of the Florida Aquarium in the downtown Tampa Channel District.

Before leading the Aquarium, Germann served more than 16 years at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He has taken a leadership role in establishing numerous national initiatives including working with zoo and aquarium heads nationwide to create the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ global campaign, which works to save species. He also helped launch the nation’s first comprehensive aquarium conservation advocacy program.

DeSantis also reappointed Kelly Rice to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Rice is the President of Rice Cattle Company and owns Prime Property Resources. He also currently serves as the state director for the Florida Farm Bureau and previously served as President of the Sumter County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Both are appointed to four-year terms. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.