Dwayne F. Virgint Email & Phone Number

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area

In October 2019, Tampa Bay Watch brought me on board as Executive Director, to lead a new initiative outside of their wheelhouse: opening a new aquarium/museum on the state-of-the-art St. Pete Pier. With only a few months to modify, plan and create the new division, I embraced the challenge and opened the project on-time and within budget. Facilitating this project during the Covid-19 pandemic, while working to support and build infrastructure within the organization, was one of the… Show more In October 2019, Tampa Bay Watch brought me on board as Executive Director, to lead a new initiative outside of their wheelhouse: opening a new aquarium/museum on the state-of-the-art St. Pete Pier. With only a few months to modify, plan and create the new division, I embraced the challenge and opened the project on-time and within budget. Facilitating this project during the Covid-19 pandemic, while working to support and build infrastructure within the organization, was one of the high-points of my career. The Board has recently asked me to lead the organization in total going forward. As CEO, I look forward to steering an impactful non-profit that is committed to fostering a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs and outreach initiatives. Our vision is to ensure Tampa Bay remains a healthy, sustainable ecosystem for future generations.The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a centerpiece destination of the new St. Pete Pier, an interactive marine discovery center, focused on Tampa Bay estuary environmental education. Developed and operated by Tampa Bay Watch, the Discovery Center offers a wide array of citizen science programs to expand public involvement in scientific discovery. The Discovery Center includes interactive exhibits to showcase the economic and ecological value of the Tampa Bay estuary to residents and visitors, and a classroom to expand educational outreach programs to Tampa Bay area schools. Our new 47' catamaran, the Discovery, leads visitors on daily Eco-tours of our estuary, while collecting crucial scientific data. Show less

Flagstaff, Arizona Area

I was recruited to revise the organization's business model. Responsible for updating and executing the strategic plan as well as facilitating $10M capital improvement plan and creating long-term sustainability within the company. As CEO I successfully reorganized advertising/marketing, with an emphasis on expanded social media presence and a media/PR initiative in the Grand Canyon region; established relationships with regional partners, including CVB/CC. I restructured financial… Show more I was recruited to revise the organization's business model. Responsible for updating and executing the strategic plan as well as facilitating $10M capital improvement plan and creating long-term sustainability within the company. As CEO I successfully reorganized advertising/marketing, with an emphasis on expanded social media presence and a media/PR initiative in the Grand Canyon region; established relationships with regional partners, including CVB/CC. I restructured financial reporting and metrics to provide more detailed analysis and expanded benchmarks for the Board of Directors. I revised staffing, personnel policies and manuals to improve risk management and implement best practices. I replaced retail purchasing policies, systems and training, resulting in significant increases in revenue; introduced creative marketing, merchandising and point of sale concepts and designs to dramatically improve a new store.Meteor Crater is the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. Located just off of Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona, between Winslow and Flagstaff, the breath-taking result of an asteroid traveling 26,000 miles per hour approximately 50,000 years ago.Meteor Crater is an international destination that welcomes both scientists and visitors. The facility houses a state-of-the-art Interactive Museum and Discovery Center, a wide-screen Movie Theater, and the Astronaut Memorial Park. Amenities include a Rock/Mineral and gift shop, an RV Park and convenience store, and a Subway restaurant. Meteor Crater is a family-owned company. Show less

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc.

When I was hired in 2005, the Center was less vibrant, with facilities in disrepair, a small staff, and an organization challenged to attain long-term sustainability. I was recruited based on my experience leading business transformations, through capital projects, systematic analysis and resource optimization, including data-driven performance metrics; brand development/awareness; and staff expansion/retention. The result was revenue growth of over 500% during my tenure.My first… Show more When I was hired in 2005, the Center was less vibrant, with facilities in disrepair, a small staff, and an organization challenged to attain long-term sustainability. I was recruited based on my experience leading business transformations, through capital projects, systematic analysis and resource optimization, including data-driven performance metrics; brand development/awareness; and staff expansion/retention. The result was revenue growth of over 500% during my tenure.My first challenge on arrival was to fast track a stalled expansion of its smoke shop into a full-service convenience store. The requirement was to secure financing and open in one year – I achieved that goal 3 months ahead of schedule, under budget, and with the existing store open full-time during construction. The store is now the second highest tobacco retailer in the western U.S. Since 2005, I led dozens of projects from conception to planning, financing to construction, including: Gallery design and renovation; 25,000 sf grand entry; new commercial offices; a 300 seat full-service restaurant and banquet area; new and rebranded Arts and Craft Store and E-commerce; restoration of a historic building for a Native Charter School; 4,000 sf Starbucks Restaurant; 10,000 sf IPCC Museum; and a 750 unit self-storage facility in 2017.In 2011, IPMI assumed management/development of 3 additional corporations, of a nearby 70- acre site. I oversaw property development and served as the managing Principal for two, 140,000 sf federal office buildings and a 108-room hotel. IPMI had been voted a top NM employer from 2013-2017.Founded in 1976 by the 19 Pueblo Tribes of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is a premier destination for education, arts and entertainment. Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc. (IPMI) was created to support IPCC, and provide financial returns to the Pueblos. Today, IPMI provides dining, entertainment and shopping for domestic and international visitors. Show less

Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

I joined WTC in 2001, when they had a small presence in the western U.S., managing three retail sites in Albuquerque (Zoo, Aquarium, and Bio-Park) and had just entered into a contract with the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, AZ. My responsibilities included contract management, renovations and start-ups, staff selection and training, developing and implementing policy and procedure manuals, selecting and implementing a new point of sale system that provided analytics, and business growth and… Show more I joined WTC in 2001, when they had a small presence in the western U.S., managing three retail sites in Albuquerque (Zoo, Aquarium, and Bio-Park) and had just entered into a contract with the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, AZ. My responsibilities included contract management, renovations and start-ups, staff selection and training, developing and implementing policy and procedure manuals, selecting and implementing a new point of sale system that provided analytics, and business growth and development. Through the addition of new accounts, expansion of existing operations, augmentation of systems and daily analytical review for each location, sales increased by 300% and net income increased by 63% when I left the organization in 2005. My first project, along with managing the Albuquerque sites, was to rapidly upgrade the Reid Park Zoo retail operation. That included everything from personally painting, wallpapering, and re-merchandising the store, to retraining the store manager. Over the next four years, I was instrumental in leading the growth of WTC in the western states from Albuquerque and Tucson contracts to The Dallas Zoo in Dallas, Texas, The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, Oklahoma, and The Oregon Coast Aquarium in both Newport and Depoe Bay, Oregon.For over 30 years, Wildlife Trading Company has managed retail and food service operations at zoos, aquariums, museums, botanic gardens and other leisure attractions in the United States and Canada. WTC is recognized as the leader in retail operations for cultural attractions, developing the highest quality retail experiences through innovative store designs, product development, operations and customer service. Show less

Greater New York City Area

EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE:I doubled sales and profits while serving as the Merchandise Manager for the retail shops at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk Connecticut. My first foray into the non-profit world provided invaluable experience in management, marketing, merchandising, retail interior design and construction, while I supported the organizations educational mission.As General Manager at an Au Bon Pain in New York, NY, I provided invaluable training in analytics and experience and… Show more EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE:I doubled sales and profits while serving as the Merchandise Manager for the retail shops at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk Connecticut. My first foray into the non-profit world provided invaluable experience in management, marketing, merchandising, retail interior design and construction, while I supported the organizations educational mission.As General Manager at an Au Bon Pain in New York, NY, I provided invaluable training in analytics and experience and led the opening a new 3,000 sq. ft. restaurant. I gained experience in marketing and sales while still in college and beyond, working with Anheuser-Busch throughout Connecticut and quickly progressed to full management and P& L responsibilities as President of my own four retail stores in Manhattan, including two at the South Street Seaport. Show less