Curtis Bennett

As the National Aquarium’s director of equity and community engagement, Curtis and his team develop long-lasting relationships with local residents and stakeholders and collaborate with them to develop environmental programs and projects that meet the needs of the community. He also ensures that the Aquarium intentionally integrates and applies principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within its conservation mission. Curtis began his career in environmental education and community engagement as a naturalist at the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. He is a member of several diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice-focused committees and workgroups, including the Association of Zoo and Aquariums, the Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Choose Clean Water Coalition. He also serves on the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Advisory Council, and was recognized with their Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year Award in 2018. Curtis has a degree in environmental science and policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Science in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware.