

Anthony Rivera
Chief Operating Officer
East Coast Zoological Foundation

Anthony is an operations and guest experience executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across major attractions, aquariums, and cultural institutions. His expertise includes operational strategy, visitor experience, facilities, security, revenue growth, technology integration, and organizational change management.
Anthony currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the East Coast Zoological Foundation, where he oversees operations for Brevard Zoo and the development of the forthcoming Bowen Aquarium at Port Canaveral. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, leading implementation of the organization’s long-term operational and growth strategy.
Prior to Clearwater, Anthony was Senior Vice President of Operations and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium, where he oversaw daily operations and visitor experience for millions of annual guests. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Top of the Rock, Madame Tussauds New York, and the American Museum of Natural History.