Johnny Ford is senior director of public relations at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He has been working in the zoo and aquarium community for more than a decade, beginning at a PR agency in Chicago working with zoological clients like the Georgia Aquarium and Dallas Zoo. There, Ford worked on everything from media outreach to strategic planning and crisis communications. This includes advising around the rescue and importation of elephants from a wildlife refuge in Swaziland affected by drought.
Four years later, he started working at Shedd Aquarium as PR manager. He now oversees the aquarium’s entire PR team as senior director. In this role, Ford has helped usher in extraordinary visibility for Shedd. He was also behind the viral penguin field trip videos, which enjoyed international acclaim during the pandemic.
Currently, Ford is directing the communications for Shedd’s centennial commitment – one of the zoological community’s largest and most expensive strategic plans. The $500 million redesign will improve the visitor experience with a focus on conservation. As part of the project, the aquarium will transform its galleries to offer new immersive, bilingual and scientific exhibits, create a more accessible visitor experience, and expand the space for conservation research labs.
In Chicago, Johnny Ford sits on a citywide council of PR professionals organised by the city’s leadership. He is also set to become chair of the AZA public relations committee and previously received an ‘Outstanding Service’ award from AZA. Most recently, he was tapped to join the steering committee and communications working group for two emerging international conservation collectives.
“Ford is proud to represent queer leadership in the zoo and aquarium world. His can-do attitude, passion and work ethic know no bounds and will serve him well as his professional horizons continue to expand,” said one nominator.