The Next Generation, Committed to Preserving Aquatic Life
The Auxiliary Board is the next generation of Shedd Aquarium’s philanthropic and volunteer leaders. Auxiliary Board members are key ambassadors for Shedd and help promote our mission to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world and bring their networks closer through fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities. Learn more about the Auxiliary Board’s events and goals in 2026 and beyond below.
As an integral part of Shedd, Auxiliary Board members raise funds for the aquarium’s mission. In 2022, the Auxiliary Board launched an exciting and ambitious multi-year campaign in support of Shedd’s Centennial Commitment, ahead of the aquarium’s 100th anniversary in 2030. The Centennial Commitment is accelerating access and connection to nature for all and further amplifying ways to care, conserve and act for aquatic life, to ensure an equitable, sustainable, and thriving future for people, for communities and for aquatic life. The Auxiliary Board aims to raise $400,000 each year through the generosity of Board members and their network of friends, family and colleagues.
How to Make an Impact
Make a Gift
Make a gift and help ensure the next 100 years include a world where resilient ecosystems and resilient communities thrive together. The Auxiliary Board is aiming to raise $400,000 in 2026 and we are grateful for your support!
Shedd Aquarium member benefits include free daily admission to the aquarium, member-first opportunities and behind-the-scenes updates. Your membership also fuels the important work we do to save species, conserve biodiversity and provide public education that empowers the next generation to join us in protecting our blue planet.
This elegant fundraising event helps Shedd continue its vital work as a hub for world-class animal care and critical conservation science. See tropical fishes, slithering snakes and camouflaged tree frogs while you enjoy an open bar and a live DJ.
There are many ways to act to protect aquatic animals and their habitats—at the aquarium, in your community and even around the globe. From pledging to reduce plastic pollution to cleaning local waterways, there are many ways you can help!
Attend a minimum of three Auxiliary Board meetings
Attend a minimum of three Shedd Aquarium programs or events throughout the year
Serve on at least one committee (Advocacy, Engagement, Membership and Development)
Membership fundraising & friend-raising
Auxiliary Board members contribute to Shedd’s Annual Fund by maintaining an active membership at the Aquarium Council ($1,500) level or higher, as well as supporting signature events through tickets and sponsorships.
Auxiliary Board members are also asked to raise $1,500 annually through outreach to personal and professional networks on behalf of Shedd.
The Auxiliary Board consists of young professionals and community leaders who share an interest in aquatic life and conservation, and we hope you will consider getting involved! Please fill out the Auxiliary Board application, and you will hear from a member of the Shedd team shortly. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and new members are inducted on a biannual basis in spring and fall.
For any additional questions please contact us at [email protected].
2026 Auxiliary Board Members
Executive Committee
Paul Sutton, Board Chair Andy Witt, Vice Chair Leland Brewster, Vice President, Advocacy Isabel Reed, Vice President, Advocacy Katie Tinkham, Vice President, Communication Gina Baeg, Vice President, Development Alex Buchart, Vice President, Engagement Nick Munagian, Vice President, Engagement Susie Hamman, Vice President, Membership Hannah Rodriguez, Vice President, Membership
Auxiliary Board Members
Michael Arenson Gina Baeg Sean Benolken Maggie Bird Leland Brewster Alex Buchart Anna Buettell James Burns Maximino Caballero Gomez Taylor Callahan Anthony Cardona Allie Carleton Samuel Carson Nathaniel Clapp Andrew Clarkson Eoin Coughlin Christine Covington David Criter Marie Curatolo Jennifer Czaja Ronak Danak Moira Dillon Buck Dodd Alex Fischer Alexis Freund Matthew Goschi Susie Hamman Daniel Harder Alice Huang Broderick Kelley Polina Kostylev Kirsten Livingston Margaret Martin Douglas McClure Payton McCoy Teah Medellin Jeannette Miyazono Uchenna Moka-Solana
Nick Munagian Bradley O'Connor Jeff Ollada Nick Olson Emmett O'Malley Jason Ormond Blake Prebay Catie Quinn Isabel Reed Jake Reznick Henry Richmond Sarah Rider Emilie Riggs Hannah Rodriguez Gabriella Root Philip Sailer Jeffrey Samotny Tracy Schovain Katy Shea Doug Smart James Snyder Casey Spacapan Rachael Sroda Melanie Stone Paul Sutton Isabella Swift Will Thompson Katie Tinkham Dean Turner Melissa Wagner Megan Wasyliw Emily Wasz Dana Waud Anna Welch Hannah Wendt Andrew Witt Richard Wu Sia Xeros J. Michael Zollo
