New director named for N.C. aquarium

ROANOKE ISLAND, N.C. 

Maylon White, director of exhibits and animal husbandry at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, has accepted a post as director of the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

White succeeds Joe Malat, who retired Dec. 1. White will begin work Feb. 1.

A certified scuba instructor, White has recently overseen the $22.6 million expansion at the Virginia Aquarium, according to a news release.

In addition to his 12 years there as exhibits and husbandry director, White previously served as exhibits curator at the aquarium for 10 years.

His duties with the Roanoke aquarium will include overseeing construction of a concrete pier at Whalebone Junction, a project that began last year.

"I am excited to be joining the team at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island," White said in the statement. "I am impressed with the aquarium and the vision that state and aquarium leaders have given the Jennette's Pier project.

"I am ready to get started."

White has an undergraduate degree in biology and marine science and a master's in oceanography and biology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk.