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The People Thousands of individuals from aquarists to volunteers have helped to establish Shedd Aquarium as a global leader in aquatic animal conservation, education and research. Among these people, several stand apart in their contributions to the Aquarium. The first, of course, is John G. Shedd, for whom the Aquarium is named. Mr. Shedd contributed greatly to Chicago's early commercial development. He also helped foster the city's growing sense of itself as a true community that could offer citizens a chance to enjoy and learn about the natural world. The second is William P. Braker, who began his work as an aquarist in 1950 and rose through the ranks to become director in 1964. Mr. Braker's vision led to the opening of the Oceanarium in 1991. Working with staff and board members, he conceived and planned this total-environment exhibit as a dramatic re-creation of the Pacific Northwest coastline, home to beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals and sea otters. And as Shedd Aquarium dives into the 21st century, two other individuals are helping lead the way for an improved educational experience while maintaining cutting-edge aquatic research. President and CEO Ted Beattie leads the visionary facility master plan, a $65 million initiative that includes the creation of innovative exhibits that explore key aquatic habitats throughout the world, substantial renovation of the Aquarium's original building and the addition of new group access and orientation areas. Board Chair Marian Pawlick is helping Shedd develop new ways of educating audiences about aquatic life, from electronic resources to hands-on classes for children to the integration of information technology into new exhibits. Mrs. Pawlick made her mark as one of several key board members who helped raise $30 million to build Shedd's Oceanarium. 
JOHN GRAVES SHEDD
Founder, 1850-1926 "The best merchant in the United States." Marshall Field Shedd Aquarium founder John G. Shedd made his fortune as president of Marshall Field and Company, Chicago's famous department store. He joined Field's as a salesman in 1872, and by 1893 he was a partner. He succeeded Marshall Field as president of the retail operation in 1906. By that time, he had also become one of Chicago's most involved and generous civic leaders. Mr. Shedd grew up as a farm boy in Alstead, New Hampshire, and learned to work hard at an early age -- a trait he referred to all his life. A smart and innovative salesman, he emphasized customer service at Field's. He began to base retail operations on emerging marketing principles, ordering products based on what customers bought, instead of inventory records. Mr. Shedd also was an excellent manager who fostered and developed executive talent at the store. As a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, he helped hire architect Daniel Burnham to draft a development plan for the growing city. By the early 1920s, Mr. Shedd wanted to leave a legacy for Chicago in much the same way Marshall Field had done with the Field Museum. Mr. Shedd's vision was to build an aquarium that would house "the greatest variety of sea life under one roof." Over several years, he gave a total of $3.25 million for the new venture. Although he died before the Aquarium opened, he took great pride in plans for the new building, from architecture to animal collection and care. John G. Shedd contributed greatly to Chicago's early commercial development. He also helped foster the city's growing sense of itself as a true community that could offer citizens a chance to enjoy and learn about the natural world. As a "merchandising genius," Mr. Shedd developed words of wisdom that he enjoyed sharing with many others:
WILLIAM P. BRAKER
Director, 1964-1993 "It was Bill Braker who could see the winding trails and hear the whales long before they existed here." John Shedd Reed William Braker's career at Shedd Aquarium encompassed more than 43 years of growth and change for the organization. Armed with a master's degree in science, Mr. Braker began his work as an aquarist in 1950 and rose through the ranks to become director in 1964. During his tenure, Mr. Braker expanded the professional staff at Shedd and placed a new emphasis on education. He combined an extensive knowledge of marine biology with recognition of the need to communicate to new audiences. Under his leadership, Shedd Aquarium renovated its exhibit galleries and opened a new Caribbean reef exhibit in 1971, where divers hand-fed the colorful marine inhabitants in front of delighted schoolchildren. In 1975, the Aquarium opened the Helen Shedd Keith Aquatic Science Center, which houses classrooms and labs for public programs and education. A special exhibit program began in 1984, helping to increase Shedd's attendance and visibility within the Chicago community. Mr. Braker's vision led to the opening of the Oceanarium in 1991. Working with staff and board members, he conceived and planned this total-environment exhibit as a dramatic re-creation of the Pacific Northwest coastline, home to beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals and sea otters. He brought in FCL Associates, now Lohan and Associates, to design the award-winning 170,000-square-foot addition, which added a new profile to Chicago's skyline. The Oceanarium began a new era for Shedd, which continues today with innovative exhibits and programs that help visitors from around the world explore the beauty and diversity of aquatic life. William Braker has been an active member of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), helping to create the first standards of practice and leadership for the industry. Retired since 1993, he continues to serve Shedd Aquarium as a member of the board of trustees, and consult with aquariums throughout the world. In 1999, he was presented with the coveted R. Marlin Perkins Award by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for his lifetime contribution to excellence in the profession. His legacy can be enjoyed each day with a visit to the Oceanarium and a walk along its scenic indoor coast. 
TED A. BEATTIE
President/CEO, 1994-present "Ted Beattie is such a valuable and distinguished member of our community. His contributions exemplify the highest standard of service and professionalism." Dr. Terry L. Maple, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta and former American Zoo and Aquarium Association president Ted A. Beattie, the current president of Shedd Aquarium, is continuing the distinguished legacy of Shedd Aquarium leaders. Mr. Beattie began his zoo career as marketing director for the Cincinnati Zoo in 1978, then moved to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo as associate director in 1981. After working as director of the Knoxville Zoological Gardens and the Fort Worth Zoological Park, Mr. Beattie returned to Chicago in 1994 to lead Shedd Aquarium into the next century. After his arrival at Shedd, Mr. Beattie launched a strategic planning process to develop a new vision for the growing organization. From that process came new "blockbuster" special exhibits, such as "Seahorse Symphony;" new community outreach programs; and new services and amenities for guests, such as the "Go Overboard" gift shop. Mr. Beattie also launched award-winning marketing and public relations efforts, which have boosted Aquarium attendance to nearly 2 million visitors each year and consolidated its position as one of the most successful aquariums in the world. Under Mr. Beattie's leadership, Shedd Aquarium also helped develop and implement the plan for the Museum Campus, a 57-acre park that includes Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. The plan included the 1996 relocation of Lake Shore Drive, a major thoroughfare that separated Field Museum from the Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. The three institutions are now creating gardens, outside exhibits, increased parking and collaborative programs that emphasize their distinctive disciplines. Mr. Beattie currently serves as President of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). At Shedd, he will continue to lead the visionary facility master plan, a $65 million initiative that includes the creation of innovative exhibits that explore key aquatic habitats throughout the world; substantial renovation of the Aquarium's original building; and the addition of new group access and orientation areas. With the opening of the Amazon Rising: Seasons of the River in 2000, those plans ushered Shedd into the 21st century. Mr. Beattie has a B.A. and M.B.A. from Ohio State University. He is also known as Shedd's finest scratch golfer. 
MARIAN PAWLICK
Board Chair, 1998 to present "Her philosophy of life is... 'Failure should not be entertained.'" Mason Phelps Marian Pawlick began her term as chair of Shedd Aquarium's board of directors in May 1998. But her involvement with Shedd began back in 1978, when she first became a governing member, one of a group of donors who help elect board leaders. Shedd Aquarium was a natural choice for Mrs. Pawlick's efforts: She had developed an interest in diving and a love for marine life years before through articles she wrote for a travel newsletter. Mrs. Pawlick made her mark as one of several key board members who helped raise $30 million to build Shedd's Oceanarium. The initiative was a risky one, since Shedd had never launched a capital campaign before. Mrs. Pawlick's enthusiasm and hard work helped make the campaign a smashing success. Dressed in a formal gown and rubber hip waders, she joined Shedd's Pacific white-sided dolphins in welcoming guests to the opening of the Oceanarium in 1991. Building on that success, she instituted Shedd's annual fundraising gala in 1995. Mrs. Pawlick's current focus is helping Shedd develop new ways of educating audiences about aquatic life, from electronic resources to hands-on classes for children to the integration of information technology into new exhibits. She has fostered collaboration between Lake Forest College and Shedd to bring the college's marine biology courses directly to the Oceanarium. A graduate of Vassar College with a bachelor's degree in art history. Mrs. Pawlick is a long-time patron of the arts and a strong advocate for more collaborations between cultural organizations. Recently she helped develop and support a unique project with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra that resulted in special music composed for Shedd's "Seahorse Symphony" exhibit. CD recordings are available in Shedd's gift stores. |
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