Johnny Ford

Bringing together a passion for the natural world and the strategic acumen to amplify it, Johnny Ford has built a career at the intersection of communications and conservation. As Vice President, Communications at Shedd Aquarium, Ford oversees the aquarium's public relations and communications team, which strives to advance and bolster Shedd’s relevance, visibility, reputation, and organizational impact in Chicago and around the world.

As a member of the senior leadership team, Ford develops and directs multi-year, integrated communications strategies and partnerships that grow Shedd’s reach and influence. He guides aquarium leadership on messaging, risk management, and organizational positioning. Under his leadership, the aquarium’s communications function has grown into a strategic driver of institutional visibility and public trust.

Prior to joining Shedd, Ford served as an account supervisor at Public Communications Inc., where he managed multiple, mission-driven client accounts working in the realms of conservation, public education and advocacy.

An active member of the global conservation community, Ford lends his expertise to various conservation organizations beyond the walls of Shedd. He serves on the Communications Working Group for ReShark, on the steering committee for Shark Ray 360, and is chair of the PR Committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).