Meghan Curran

As Chief Operating Officer, Meghan Curran directs a team responsible for the delivery of experiences that bring guests and the public eye-to-eye with the aquatic world. A member of the executive leadership team, Curran also helps propel the aquarium forward through its strategic and long-term vision, guiding the augmentation of Shedd’s current state while also using guest data and market insights to shape the institution’s future. Using sharp business acumen and an eye toward tourism trends, Curran works to ensure Shedd remains top of mind, sustainable and thriving.

Curran oversees several cross-functional teams that work in close collaboration to support Shedd’s institutional goals. These functions include exhibit design; brand and media; communications; government affairs and policy; guest experience and ancillary, including gift stores and restaurants; events; and learning and community engagement. These teams, all of which represent various touchpoints between Shedd and the public, help advance the aquarium’s work through compelling, informative experiences, relationship building, and thoughtful storytelling.

In 2023, Curran was selected for Leadership Greater Chicago’s prestigious Daniel Burnham Fellowship, a program designed to activate civic leadership, deepen engagement with Chicago’s civic landscape, and drive positive regional impact. A sought-after speaker, she has presented both nationally and internationally at conferences and with associations and industry groups on a wide range of topics.

Curran has worked at Shedd for more than 25 years, joining in 2001. Before Shedd, Curran worked with the Chicago Creative Partnership, where Shedd was among her clients, alongside other well-established organizations.