John Braden

John was appointed Director of the Seattle Aquarium in January 2005 having served as Deputy Director since March 2002. 

Previously, he was the principal planner for the Seattle Parks Department for the proposed expanded Aquarium and development of the adjacent parks. John also served as the City’s Director of Economic Development, and in that capacity led earlier efforts to revitalize Seattle’s Central Waterfront.

John holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Washington in Geography, with graduate work focusing on investments in urban parks and economic development. John also has experience in the non-profit sector, having served as Executive Director of Seattle Emergency Housing Service. John has served on numerous non-profit boards in the fields of education, social services, conservation and community-based development.