Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on Tuesday announced the appointment of Irwin L. Davis as senior consultant for economic and community development — a volunteer position.

Davis, a resident of Lakewood Ranch, is a nationally recognized leader in regional economic development and urban planning, with more than 40 years of experience in New York and Florida, including board of directors positions with economic-development organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Davis will assist Mote — an independent, nonprofit leader in marine research and education — in economic- and business-development efforts related to several areas, including: