Gary Gordon

Gary Gordon brings more than 30 years of nonprofit and governmental financial and administrative experience to his role as Shedd Aquarium’s Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, where he guides the financial and operational engine behind one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. From overseeing Shedd’s endowment and investments to safeguarding resources and shaping long-term planning and strategy, he champions the infrastructure that allows Shedd to deliver on its mission every day. Gordon is driven by 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.

Prior to joining Shedd in 2018, Gordon served for 15 years as director of finance and administrative services for Lake County, Ill. He managed 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.

Gordon also has deep roots with the city of Chicago, having previously 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. This early experience in the public sector helped Gordon build knowledge and contacts he and his team at Shedd still regularly lean on.

Beyond his role at Shedd, Gordon also serves on the board of directors for Metra and the board of Angaza Center, as well as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Business Operations Committee. He was recognized in 2023 by Crain’s Chicago Business as a notable CFO in 2023 and was a Finance Executive International CFO of the year finalist that same year.