FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Seattle Aquarium is excited to welcome Peggy Sloan as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. A visionary leader with a deep commitment to marine conservation and public engagement, Sloan brings decades of experience in aquarium leadership, strategic planning, and community impact.
Sloan joins the Seattle Aquarium at a historic moment, following the opening of the Ocean Pavilion and its public rooftop, and ahead of the Aquarium’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
“Seattle Aquarium’s leadership in championing an Ocean Ethic presents an incredible opportunity to promote ocean conservation, and the critically important connections to individual, community, and ecosystem health. I am honored to join the Seattle Aquarium at this transformative moment in time” Sloan says. “The Ocean Pavilion rooftop creates a sense of place where the Salish Sea and surrounding mountains become overtly embedded in the experience of a revitalized waterfront. Through direct connections to the splendor of Seattle’s coast outdoors, and life below the surface of our one ocean indoors, the Aquarium can harness the transformative power of nature to benefit people and the wild places on which we all depend. The Aquarium’s mission, vision, and values resonate deeply with my own, and I am ready to apply a lifetime of work focused on the thoughtful stewardship of nature, and humans, to the ambitious and meaningful intentions of Seattle Aquarium. I am eager to work alongside the talented and inspired Seattle team to advance our commitment to ensuring a future where people, communities, and our ocean thrive together.”
A leader in conservation and care
Sloan joins the Seattle Aquarium from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, one of the first and largest Aquariums in the United States, where she served as Chief Animal Conservation Officer since 2018. She played a key role in executing an ambitious $500 million strategic plan, contributing across all areas of operations as part of the executive team and leading animal care, conservation and science, as Chief of the animal care and science division. Prior to Shedd, Sloan served as Director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Sloan’s extensive leadership and conservation background includes roles in the global effort to restore critically endangered species, serving as board chair for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and chair of the Aquariums Committee of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. During Sloan’s term on the executive committee of AZA’s board she helped introduce a fifth promise as a commitment to include diversity, equity, access and inclusion among priorities for accredited aquariums and zoos. Her expertise in marine biology, operational excellence, strategic growth, and community engagement aligns with the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of our marine environment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Peggy Sloan to the Seattle Aquarium,” says Charles Wright, Chair of the Search Committee and Chair of the Seattle Aquarium’s Board of Directors. “Her passion for connecting people to marine life, her strategic leadership, and her dedication to conservation make her the ideal person to lead us into the future.”
Under Sloan’s leadership, the Seattle Aquarium is poised to expand its impact, especially following the successful completion of the Ocean Pavilion. Outgoing President and CEO Bob Davidson shares his confidence in Sloan’s leadership: “Peggy’s depth of experience and passion for marine conservation make her the perfect choice to guide the Aquarium forward. I am excited to see the incredible impact she will have.”
A deep love of the Pacific Northwest
Sloan returns to the city she first fell in love with many years ago. Sloan came to Seattle in 1991 early in her budding marine science career to work as a NOAA fisheries observer. She was deployed in the field on catchers and trawlers in the Bering Sea while maintaining a base in Seattle.
“The time I spent training in Seattle helped drive the direction of my career,” Sloan explains. “I recognized the tremendous importance of ensuring sustainable resource use, especially in managing wildlife. And, recognized the key component to success relied on the engagement of people who rely on nature for sustenance, and livelihoods. Living and working where nature was so abundant left a deep impression on me. I fell in love with Seattle and its connection to nature, as well as the community of people who embraced the spirit of a vibrant coastal city. At the time it felt like a place I was meant to be. I am thrilled to be returning home.”
An extensive search process
The CEO search was an extensive, national effort that began in 2023. It was led by a select committee of the Board of Directors and community members, chaired by incoming Board President Charles Wright. The search committee sought feedback from staff, donors, public officials, and leaders in the conservation community to ensure the search reflected the needs and priorities of the Aquarium. The transition is expected to begin in spring 2025, ensuring a smooth handover and continued stability for the organization.
Reflections from the community:
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell:
“The Seattle Aquarium is a treasured institution that plays a critical role in our city’s environmental education and conservation efforts as well as our commitment to building One Seattle. Peggy Sloan’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as we look to launch our waterfront, and I look forward to seeing how she deepens the Aquarium’s impact and connection with our communities.”
Dow Constantine, King County Executive:
“The Seattle Aquarium is a key partner in our region’s efforts to protect Puget Sound and engage our communities in marine conservation. Peggy Sloan’s leadership and deep experience will help strengthen these efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by our marine environment.”
AP Diaz, Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation:
“The Seattle Aquarium is an essential part of our city’s public spaces, offering a unique opportunity for people to connect with nature in the heart of our waterfront. As we continue to invest in a more accessible and engaging waterfront experience, the Aquarium’s work is more important than ever. We are excited to welcome Peggy Sloan and look forward to collaborating on efforts that inspire stewardship, education, and access to Seattle’s incredible marine environment.”
Martha Kongsgaard, Environmental Leader & Chair of the Ocean Pavilion Capital Campaign:
“With the opening of the new Ocean Pavilion—Seattle’s front porch to the Salish Sea and a vital connection to the waters that link us to the rest of the world—the Aquarium is poised to inspire even more people to care for our ocean. Peggy Sloan’s proven leadership comes at the perfect time to build on this momentum, deepening our commitment to protecting the marine ecosystems that sustain us all.”
Dan Ashe, President & CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA):
“Peggy Sloan has been a champion for conservation, education, and operational excellence throughout her career. The Seattle Aquarium is fortunate to have such a dynamic and forward-thinking leader guiding its next chapter.”
Joy Shigaki, President & CEO, Friends of Waterfront Park:
“The Seattle Aquarium is a vital part of our city’s waterfront, connecting people to the marine environment in meaningful ways. Peggy Sloan’s leadership comes at an exciting time as we bring Waterfront Park to life as an inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and vibrant space for all. I look forward to working together to deepen our partnership and bring more joy, wonder, and connection to the beauty of this place to the broader community.”
Jon Scholes, CEO, Downtown Seattle Association:
“The Seattle Aquarium is a cornerstone of our downtown waterfront, drawing visitors, supporting local businesses, and enriching our city’s cultural and educational landscape. Peggy Sloan’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment as we continue to enhance downtown’s vibrancy and reconnect the city with its waterfront. We look forward to working with her to ensure the Aquarium remains a must-visit destination for residents and tourists alike.”
Steve Metruck, Executive Director, Port of Seattle:
“The Port of Seattle values marine conservation, education, and the economic vitality of the working waterfront. Our innovative collaboration in the new Ocean Pavilion shows how creative partnerships can lift awareness of the relationship between protecting the marine environment and maritime industries. We are excited to welcome Peggy Sloan and look forward to collaborating on initiatives that inspire stewardship of our shared waters.”
