Open 9 am - 5 pm
A woman with short brown hair stands in front of Shedd's historic bronze doors.

Lori Smedley

Chief Development Officer

Lori Smedley serves as one of several key fundraisers bringing in donors to connect and relish in Shedd's mission while advancing impact with philanthropic dollars. She is a leader and strategist with the Development team — empowering them and ensuring their work advances. Lori helps to craft strategies for Shedd on everything from the overall strategic plan to employee benefits and fostering staff culture, to keeping long sight lines to ensure Shedd's success for decades to come.

Education

B.A., St. John’s College

“Shedd’s impact as a cultural, educational, and civic institution in Chicago – and our conservation work in the Great Lakes and around the globe – is profound. Our members and donors are our lifeblood, providing us with the kind of sounding board, advocacy base, and philanthropic support we need to serve our entire community.”

Lori Smedley is responsible for delivering a comprehensive development program that attracts and inspires our community of support and helps focus that community on meaningful engagement opportunities to secure Shedd’s future. This means that she leads Shedd’s Development team, with oversight of membership and individual giving, events and engagement, and donor relations. As Shedd moves forward with its Centennial Commitment to accelerate access and connection to nature for all before its 100th anniversary in 2030, Smedley is charged with designing and implementing resource mobilization strategies to help achieve the aquarium’s ambitious goals.

Smedley has worked in non-profit development since 2001, serving institutions focused on public broadcasting, global health, and higher education. Most recently, she served as the Associate Vice President for Advancement at DePaul University, responsible for major and principal giving, advancement services, donor relations, and corporate and foundation relations. Prior to DePaul University, she spent eight years at the University of Chicago, most recently serving as Associate Dean for Development in the Physical Sciences Division.

Smedley holds a B.A from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD in philosophy and the history of mathematics. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking for large groups of hungry people, the New York Times crossword, and continually exploring Chicago with her husband and three teenage daughters.