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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

A rockhopper penguin stands in a nook of the penguin habitat.

Make a Gift

Make a gift and help ensure the next 100 years include a world where resilient ecosystems and resilient communities thrive together. The Auxiliary Board is aiming to raise $400,000 in 2023 and we are grateful for your support!

See the campaign

Three belugas bob at water's surface of Shedd Aquarium's Abbott Oceanarium, the middle beluga has mouth open.

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.

Learn More


How to Engage with Shedd

A beautiful view of the Chicago skyline from the edge of the Chicago River, where volunteers comb through native prairie plants for invasive species.

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!

Help Out

Guests at Shedd's Jazzin' at the Shedd enjoy summer fireworks and music on Shedd's North Terrace.

Join us at Shedd

We have programs and events for all ages and backgrounds. Join us for a Must See Tour, Kayak for Conservation, meet some of your favorite animals, and more. Start exploring today!

See the Calendar


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].


2023 Auxiliary Board Members

Executive Committee

Doug McClure, Chairman
Megan McKitterick, Vice Chair
Gina Baeg
Ronak Danak
Jeannette Miyazono
Jason Ormond
Phil Sailer
Rachael Sroda
Paul Sutton
Catie Wloch

Auxiliary Board Members

Breanne Anderson
Mike Arenson
Sean Benolken
Maggie Bird
James Burns
Max Caballero
Taylor Callahan
Anthony Cardona
Sam Carson
Ted Challenger
Nathaniel Clapp
Andrew Clarkson
Eoin Coughlin
Marie Curatolo
Greg Curtis
Jenny Czaja
Moira Dillon
Buck Dodd
Claire Foster
Alexis Freund
Yussef Gheriani
Matthew Goschi
Rebecca Handa
Daniel Harder

Hilary Hatton
Dominic Hendricks
Alice Huang
Broderick Kelley
Gabriella Kimes
Carl Lindsay
Kirsten Livingston
Maddy Matthews
Thomas McAndrew
James McAuley
Laura Micheli
Alex Miller
James Napier
Jeff Ollada
Jake Reznick
Henry Richmond
Hannah Rodriguez
Shawn Rose
Alyssa Rust
Jeff Samotny
Tracy Schovain
Katy Shea
Jim Snyder
Casey Spacapan
Belle Swift
Katie Tinkham
Dean Turner
Emily Wasz
Dana Waud Floberg
Hannah Wendt
Andy Witt
Sia Xeros
Maddie Yastrow
Michael Zollo