General Sessions

Known for her public speaking throughout the environmental community, Parker has given commencement addresses and speeches for several organizations, including Duke University NSOE, Wisconsin Northland College, the World Fisheries Congress in China, the Oprah Winfrey Academy and the office of the Prime Minister of Lesotho in southern Africa. Dr. Parker made history serving as the first African American FWS Regional Director of the 13 Northeastern states after working in the Great Lakes and Big Rivers regions and in the southeastern United States. She spent a career as a biologist and senior executive in the federal government as the FWS Chief of Staff, Assistant Director of Habitat Conservation/Head of Fisheries in this country.

Curtis began his career in environmental education and community engagement in 2003 as a naturalist at the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. He is a member of several diversity, equity, inclusion and justice-focused committees and workgroups, including with AZA’s Diversity Committee, the Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program and the Choose Clean Water Coalition. He also serves on the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Advisory Council, and was recognized with their Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year Award in 2018.
 
Dan earned a bachelor's degree in biological science from Florida State University and a graduate degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington, where he studied under a fellowship from the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation. His master's thesis, on estuarine wetland mitigation, was published in the Coastal Zone Management Journal in 1982.
 
Dan’s journey to the greater D.C. area was made possible by the National Sea Grant College Program. He was awarded a National Sea Grant Congressional Fellowship in 1982.

A relentless advocate for access in all ways, Dr. Coughlin commits the organization to offering tens of millions of dollars in free admission each year; champions varied learning styles and approaches; and is a voice for real diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the business world. A nature lover and scientist at heart, Dr. Coughlin is passionate about animal life in oceans, rivers and lakes and her commitment to learning and conservation extends well beyond the walls of Shedd Aquarium. She has connected families and community members to Shedd’s aquatic life on the Great Lakes, in neighborhoods across the city and in the digital world with urban outposts and immersive virtual learning experiences.