Save Our Seabirds (SOS), one of the largest bird rescue centers in Florida, recently appointed Aaron Virgin as its new chief executive officer after David Pilston, the nonprofit’s previous CEO, announced his retirement earlier this year.

Virgin brings an extensive background in wildlife and environmental issues to the nonprofit. Most recently, he served as the philanthropy officer for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. In his new role, Virgin will be responsible for working with the SOS board of directors to create and fulfill the board’s strategic plan, establish appropriate goals for financial and operational performance, manage a high-performance team and control operational aspects of the organization, among other duties.

Virgin holds a master’s of professional studies in wildlife ecology and natural resources management from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from State University of New York at Plattsburgh.