Aquarium of Niagara: Gary Siddall appointed executive director

Takes over for retired Gay Molnar

Gary Siddall was named executive director on Monday by the Aquarium of Niagara's board of directors. Siddall served as deputy director for two years and oversaw operations while ensuring the financial integrity of the Whirlpool Street attraction.

Siddall successfully supervised three capital improvement projects budgeted at approximately $1,000,000, including the outdoor rescue harbor pool, the revitalization and redesign of the first-floor exhibits and structural improvements throughout the entire building.

Siddall brought seven rescued sea mammals into the Aquarium of Niagara. As deputy director, he also supervised the marine mammal care, exhibits, education and maintenance departments. Prior to this, Siddall was the Aquarium of Niagara's supervisor of marine mammal care.

"As a not-for-profit institution, the aquarium belongs to all the people of WNY and, in an effort to make sure we had the best leader in place, we interviewed qualified candidates both inside and outside our community," board president Richard Torcasio said. "Hands down, Gary Siddall was the best candidate. Gary has been with the aquarium for 10 years in many supervisory roles and he knows every facet of this organization. More important, we feel he has demonstrated remarkable strategic leadership in all his areas of responsibility.

"Gary is admired by everyone on the staff and board and, just as significant, he is respected by leaders in aquariums and zoos nationwide."

Siddall has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Buffalo State College and is pursuing a master's degree. He is a member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Siddall also serves on the board for Niagara County Community College, where he is an adviser on animal management.

Siddall succeeds Gay Molnar, who retired April 1.