Aimee David

Aimee leads the Aquarium’s U.S. and California ocean conservation portfolio. She directs teams that advance local-to-federal policy strategy, conduct coastal wildlife and ecosystem research, operate the sea otter conservation and rehabilitation program, and build community conservation partnerships.

Her work spans California and national arenas, driving efforts to expand ocean protection, recover threatened marine species, reduce sources of plastic pollution, defend against offshore oil and gas expansion, oppose deep-sea mining, galvanize climate action, promote renewable energy, and advance environmental justice.

Aimee also founded the Aquarium Conservation Partnership—a coalition of more than 30 leading U.S. aquariums and zoos working together to amplify impact on ocean and freshwater conservation. Under her leadership, partners eliminated nearly all single-use plastic packaging from their retail and foodservice operations and mobilized thousands of people to take personal and policy action for the ocean.

Prior to joining the Aquarium, Aimee served on the staff of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, which made recommendations to the President and Congress to strengthen U.S. ocean governance. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and holds an M.S. in marine resource management from Oregon State University.