Gary Gordon
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Gary Gordon oversees organizational optimizations and long-term planning to ensure the financial stability of Shedd aquarium.
Education
M.S., political science, Loyola University
B.S., politics, University of California in Santa Cruz.
“It is an honor to be able utilize my operational and financial experience to support the larger mission of Shedd. I treasure the opportunity to support the skilled teams across the Aquarium engaging in the critical work of Shedd’s Centennial Commitment along with the day-to-day operations.”
As Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Gary Gordon provides executive leadership for Shedd Aquarium’s finance, investments, technology, legal and risk matters, facility operations, construction and security. In this role, Gordon is focused on long-term planning and continuity to ensure the financial and operational stability of the aquarium. Gordon brings a passion for education and the environment and an eagerness to engage with and support the board of trustees and staff in Shedd’s mission-driven work.
Gordon has more than 25 years of not-for-profit and governmental financial and administrative experience. Prior to joining Shedd Aquarium in 2018, he served for 15 years as director of finance and administrative services for Lake County, Illinois, managing a $500 million annual budget with responsibilities spanned multiple disciplines and support functions including procurement, contracting, construction services, facility management and finance, in addition to serving as the chief executive on several successful multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects. Prior, Gordon served as director of the Office of Management and Budget for the Chicago Park District and as assistant budget director and director of capital programs for the City of Chicago.
Gordon holds a master’s degree in political science from Loyola University in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in politics from the University of California in Santa Cruz.