About Jim Hart
Jim’s love of the ocean began at the age of 15, but his foray into the Aquarium world began in 1987 when he earned a certification in volunteer administration from the U. of Colorado in hopes that he could utilize this new skill set at the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, which was under construction. He was hired in 1989 and was tasked with developing a “naturalist guide” and dive program.
In 1993, Jim Hart (Audubon Aquarium) called Randy Wilder (Monterey Bay Aquarium) about forming a professional forum amongst DSOs. The call then expanded to include MaryAnn Buehn (Epcot Living Seas) and Perry Hampton (National Aquarium).
Due to these conversations and joint vision, in 1994, the American Association of Dive Program Administrators (AADPA) was born, and in 1995, the first symposium was held in San Francisco, CA. In 1998, the AADPA was renamed the Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA) to expand the membership scope.
Jim Hart is not only one of ADPA’s founding members, he was also president for 6 years, and has continued to be an advocate for the organization, a mentor, and a friend. Jim’s generosity and commitment to ADPA continues today through the “Jim Hart International Scholarship”.
In Jim’s own words, “One of the most gratifying aspects of my life is watching the ADPA help Dive officers around the world while promoting professionalism and camaraderie among its members.”
This Jim Hart International Scholarship advances Jim’s wishes to broaden the ADPA family.