Shedd Aquarium Names Gina Rodriguez Chief Development Officer

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago’s most visited cultural attraction and a national leader in animal care, conservation education and research will welcome Gina Rodriguez to its executive team as the organization’s first Chief Development Officer June 5.

“At a time in the world when it has never been more important for people to learn, explore, and build connections with animals and nature, I’m thrilled to welcome Gina to our talented executive team to strategically lead the philanthropic endeavors that support Shedd’s mission-based programs,” said President and CEO Dr. Bridget Coughlin.

A key new position within the organization, Rodriguez will oversee the dynamic and comprehensive development programs and staff focused on building and expanding vital funding from individuals, foundations, corporations and government sources that allows the aquarium to advance its efforts. She will also oversee Shedd’s more than 25,000-household membership community.

“As we continue to plan for the future and evaluate how we evolve Shedd – here onsite, out in nature and virtually online – in order to deliver more mission moments, create greater, more personalized access, and move critical conservation education and research forward, having this essential position within our organization is fundamental,” added Coughlin.  “Gina is the right person at this pivotal moment in time for the aquarium.”

Rodriguez brings nearly 20 years of fundraising experience in established and respected non-profit organizations to the aquarium. For the last seven years, she served as Chief Advancement Officer for the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago where she oversaw strategy for the completion of the school’s multimillion-dollar capital and endowment campaign.

Earlier in her career, she held the positions of Annual Corporate and Foundation Gifts Officer at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Director of Institutional Advancement at the Ancona School in Chicago, and as Membership Officer for the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

 “Shedd has always been a vital educational resource – not only for the Chicago area but well beyond – and the 1.9 million annual visitors are only further evidence of the aquarium's ability to fulfill an essential need, particularly for urban communities,” Rodriguez said. “I'm thrilled to join the Shedd team during such a generative stage, and am appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of an organization looking ambitiously toward building on its legacy."

Rodriquez graduated from the University of California San Diego with a B.A. in French Literature and minor in Computer Science. She currently resides in Chicago.