Bridget Coughlin

Bridget Coughlin is president and CEO of Shedd Aquarium, since 2016. Under her leadership, Shedd has welcomed over 14 million guests, diverted more than 21,000 pounds of plastic from lakes and rivers and published more than 100 research papers. Previously, Coughlin was a curator and vice president of strategic partnerships and programs at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Prior to that, she worked in science policy and publications at the National Academy of Sciences. A frequent guest speaker, her board service includes Alaska SeaLife Center, After School Matters, Museums in the Park, and mindSpark Learning. Coughlin is a founding member of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.