Mystic -- Mystic Aquarium has announced that it has named Larry Rivarde as its executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Rivarde, the former executive vice president and zoo director for Audubon Nature Institute of New Orleans, has worked at the aquarium since 2015 as its senior vice president of zoological operations.

“Larry is one of the most highly respected leaders in the zoo and aquarium world,” said Stephen M. Coan, the aquarium’s president and CEO. “We are honored to have him working with us and he will lead us to new heights of excellence in this new role.”

“His collaboration, counsel and insight have been invaluable to me,” added Coan.

In announcing the promotion, the aquarium stated that over the past two years Rivarde has bolstered its animal collection, opening three new exhibits and working to assure the long-term viability of its beluga whale collection.

It stated he has also led the aquarium’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, significantly increasing the diversity of its staff and guests and also added multi-lingual signage and advertising