Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

David Barney

Wilmington

Summary

Dynamic Exhibits Curator with expertise in project management and strategic planning. Proven track record in developing educational exhibits. Committed to delivering impactful visitor experiences through collaboration and innovation in a team based environment.

Results-driven professional with over 30 years in exhibit management and project execution. Skilled in budget management ranging from $50K to $80 million, delivering high-quality exhibits. Looking to leverage extensive experience in exhibit development and cross-functional collaboration to enhance educational impact.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Exhibits Curator

North Carolina Aquarium
Kure Beach, NC
08.2004 - Current
  • Leads Exhibits Department - Exhibit Development.Maintanence & Management
  • Develop educational exhibits that raise awareness of aquatic conservation and biodiversity
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams to create immersive visitor experiences that fostered deeper connections with exhibits
  • Project Management Budget ranging from $50K to $80 million
  • Strategic and Master Site Planning
  • Exhibit scope - Live animal displays , Interactive, VR & IR
  • Interpretation Development- Static, Digital and Interactive

Exhibit Fabrication Supervisor

Truelove Fabrications
Wilmington, NC
04.1995 - 08.2004
  • Development of exhibits to Zoo's, Aquariums, Museums and Science Centers throughout North America
  • Oversaw daily operations to ensure timely production schedules and quality standards
  • Managed team workflows, optimizing fabrication processes for efficiency and safety compliance
  • Trained and mentored new employees on fabrication techniques and safety procedures
  • Implemented process improvements that reduced waste and enhanced product quality

Education

1 - Business Management

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Skills

  • Management and Leadership of Exhibit Development
  • Project Management
  • Natural Habitat Replication
  • Construction Principles
  • Management of Contractors / Vendors
  • Strategic and Master Planning
  • Budget Management
  • Exhibit Fabrication
  • Cost Estimation and Scheduling

Accomplishments

    Association of Zoo's & Aquariums Exhibit of the Year Nominee 2012

    Association of Zoo's & Aquariums Excellence in Marketing Award 2024

Affiliations

North Carolina Aquarium Advisory Board

North Carolina Aquarium Safety Committee

Association of Zoo's and Aquariums

Kulture City

PADI

Certification

Innovation & Creativity- Disney Institute

AZA Creating Successful Exhibits

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

PADI Open Water Diver

PADI Rescue Diver

Forklift Certification

OSHA Confined Space Trained

Kulture City Sensory Inclusive

CPR / First Aid

Timeline

Exhibits Curator

North Carolina Aquarium
08.2004 - Current

Exhibit Fabrication Supervisor

Truelove Fabrications
04.1995 - 08.2004

1 - Business Management

Ferris State University
David Barney