Shedd Aquarium Names Lake Forest Resident Chairman of the Board

H. John Gilbertson Jr., a native of Evanston and current Lake Forest resident, has been elected as the next chairman of the board of trustees at the Shedd Aquarium.

Gilbertson, a Shedd board member since 2000 and retired Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co., succeeds Tyrone C. Fahner, partner for global law firm Mayer Brown who has served in the leadership position since 2012.

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“I believe deeply in the mission of Shedd Aquarium and the organization’s unparalleled ability to inspire the more than 2 million guests, supporters, schoolchildren and educators each year to take personal actions that help preserve and protect animals and our shared ecosystems all over the world,” said Gilbertson.

Since joining Shedd’s board 15 years ago, the aquarium has seen continual growth and stability, according to a news release. Gilbertson says the focus will continue to be on ensuring the organization’s continued success.

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“John’s deep experience in financial management and consulting, his extensive knowledge of a range of industries, and open and collaborative approach to new and innovative ideas made him the ideal choice to help lead Shedd into the future and to help ensure the aquarium is strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of our guests, supporters, staff and the animals in our care,”said Fahner. “I look forward to passing the torch to John, and do so with great confidence of his many talents and valued abilities.”

Gilbertson, 58, also serves on the board of trustees and the investment committee of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

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“I’m honored to support and help lead an organization that is not only a leader in developing the next generation of stewards for our planet, but also one that makes an important contribution to the history and cultural experience of Chicago,” he added.

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez