Auxiliary Board
The Next Generation, Committed to Preserving Aquatic Life
The Auxiliary Board is the next generation of Shedd Aquarium’s philanthropic and volunteer leaders. Auxiliary Board members are key ambassadors for Shedd and help promote our mission to spark compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic animal world and bring their networks closer through fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities. Learn more about the Auxiliary Board’s events and goals in 2024 and beyond below.
Shedd's Next Century of Impact
As an integral part of Shedd, Auxiliary Board members raise funds for the aquarium’s mission. In 2022, the Auxiliary Board launched an exciting and ambitious multi-year campaign in support of Shedd’s Centennial Commitment, ahead of the aquarium’s 100th anniversary in 2030. The Centennial Commitment is accelerating access and connection to nature for all and further amplifying ways to care, conserve and act for aquatic life, to ensure an equitable, sustainable, and thriving future for people, for communities, and for aquatic life. The Auxiliary Board aims to raise $400,000 each year through the generosity of Board members and their network of friends, family, and colleagues.
How to Make an Impact
Become a Member
Shedd Aquarium member benefits include free daily admission to the aquarium, member-first opportunities, and behind-the-scenes updates. Your membership also fuels the important work we do to save species, conserve biodiversity and provide public education that empowers the next generation to join us in protecting our blue planet.
How to Engage with Shedd
Take Action for the Aquatic Animal World
There are many ways to act to protect aquatic animals and their habitats—at the aquarium, in your community and even around the globe. From pledging to reduce plastic pollution to cleaning local waterways, there are many ways you can help!
Jazzin' at the Shedd Hosted by the Aux Board
Revel in the rhythms of live jazz performed by Chicago’s top jazz ensembles, plus so much more at the first ever weekend Jazzin’ at the Shedd event!
For the first time in the event’s history, join us on a Saturday evening for all-you-can-eat light bites and an open bar, included with every ticket. Look nature in the eye with up close animal experiences, engage with Shedd experts and end the night watching dazzling fireworks over beautiful Lake Michigan.
Interested in Joining the Auxiliary Board?
Auxiliary Board Participation
- Attend a minimum of three Auxiliary Board meetings
- Attend a minimum of three Shedd Aquarium programs or events throughout the year
- Serve on at least one committee (Advocacy, Engagement, Membership, and Development)
Membership fundraising & friend-raising
- Auxiliary Board members contribute to Shedd’s Annual Fund by maintaining an active membership at the Aquarium Council ($1,500) level or higher, as well as supporting signature events through tickets and sponsorships.
- Auxiliary Board members are also asked to raise $1,500 annually through outreach to personal and professional networks on behalf of Shedd.
We hope you will consider getting involved! Please fill out the Auxiliary Board application, and you will hear from a member of the Shedd team shortly. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and new members are inducted on a biannual basis in spring and fall.
For any additional questions please contact us at [email protected].
2024 Auxiliary Board Members
Executive Committee
Megan Wasyliw, Board Chair
Paul Sutton, Vice Chair
Moira Dillon, Vice President, Advocacy
Alice Huang, Vice President, Advocacy
Hannah Rodriguez, Vice President, Communication
Andrew Witt, Vice President, Development
Yussef Gheriani, Vice President, Engagement
Dean Turner, Vice President, Engagement
Maggie Bird, Vice President, Membership
Taylor Callahan, Vice President, Membership
Auxiliary Board Members
Breanne Anderson
Michael Arenson
Gina Baeg
Sean Benolken
Alex Buchart
Leland Brewster
James Burns
Maximino Caballero Gomez
Danny Canary
Anthony Cardona
Samuel Carson
Nathaniel Clapp
Andrew Clarkson
Eoin Coughlin
Marie Curatolo
Jennifer Czaja
Ronak Danak
Buck Dodd
Alex Fischer
Alexis Freund
Matthew Goschi
Susie Hamman
Rebecca Handa
Daniel Harder
Broderick Kelley
Kirsten Livingston
Maddy Matthews
Thomas McAndrew
Douglas McClure
Payton McCoy
Teah Medellin
Laura Micheli
Alexandra Miller
Jeannette Miyazono
Uchenna Moka-Solana
Nick Munagian
Jeff Ollada
Emmett O'Malley
Jason Ormond
Blake Prebay
Isabel Reed
Jake Reznick
Henry Richmond
Sarah Rider
Emilie Riggs
Gabriella Root
Philip Sailer
Jeffrey Samotny
Tracy Schovain
Katy Shea
James Snyder
Casey Spacapan
Rachael Sroda
Isabella Swift
Katie Tinkham
Emily Wasz
Dana Waud
Anna Welch
Hannah Wendt
Catie Wloch
Sia Xeros
Michael Zahorik
J. Michael Zollo