Shedd Aquarium Taps Gabriel Nieves for Chief Human Resources Officer Role

CHICAGO – This week, Gabriel Nieves joins Shedd Aquarium as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Nieves joins a talented, passionate and dedicated Human Resources team and will oversee the aquarium’s human centric endeavors such as robust staff training and professional development, talent acquisition efforts, benefits management, culture initiatives and empowering employee engagement for the aquarium’s more than 400 staff members. This includes applying his human-centered approach and experience to accelerate Shedd’s decades-long DEAI initiatives. Nieves will also direct the aquarium’s Volunteer Services department, responsible for managing an active network of volunteers who help advance Shedd’s mission and operations.

“I am honored to join Shedd Aquarium as CHRO and contribute to an organization with such a meaningful mission,” said Nieves. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on fostering inclusive, dynamic workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel. Shedd’s people – the talented, purpose-driven team creating transformative connections between guests and the aquatic world – are at the heart of its impact. My goal is to enhance the employee experience by cultivating a culture where innovation thrives, diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels empowered to advance Shedd’s mission. Together, we will build on this remarkable legacy and extend Shedd’s influence far beyond its walls."

Nieves joins Shedd after nearly four years at another animal-focused nonprofit organization – PAWS Chicago, where he held the position of Vice President of People & Culture. At PAWS, Nieves led initiatives to optimize the organization’s talent acquisition strategies, revitalized onboarding processes and established impactful performance management mechanisms. These forward-thinking strategies significantly boosted employee engagement and productivity, enabling PAWS to amplify its mission and impact.

Nieves also brings valuable insights from the hospitality industry, where exceptional guest and employee experiences are foundational to organizational success. At Shedd, he will leverage this background to support our care team in creating transformative experiences for nearly two million annual guests.

“Gabriel is a transformational and thoughtful leader, and his experience – steeped in service to both people and animals – made him an ideal candidate,” said Dr. Bridget Coughlin, president and CEO at Shedd Aquarium. “I am eager to work with Gabriel to champion new opportunities to grow, develop, uplift and celebrate our incredible staff.”

A Chicago native and avid runner, Nieves holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from DePaul University. He holds certifications from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as well as the Human Resources Certification Insitute (HRCI) and maintains memberships with SHRM and several other HR-focused organizations.

VISUALS: Find a high-resolution photo of Gabriel Nieves here:

https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e70628d5f6175a99c69&C=50

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium