Our Mission
Mystic Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.
Sea Research seeks to achieve this mission by:
- Creating thought-provoking encounters with marine life
- Conducting research that advances aquatic animal husbandry and health
- Serving as an interpreter of marine science discoveries and conservation issues
- Sharing resources and expertise with the scientific and education communities
- Pursuing these endeavors with a commitment to excellence and innovation
Sea Research Foundation Activities
Education
To foster an interest in and understanding of the science and conservation of the aquatic world through formal and informal programs, written interpretive materials and exposure to living marine animals.
Research
To collect, evaluate and disseminate scientific data gathered through investigations and collaborations sponsored by the Aquarium and the scientific community. Such data will advance knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry and aquatic animal biology and behavior and promote a better understanding of our place in nature.
exhibitry
To develop techniques that advance the art of live animal display and its role in stimulating interest in the aquatic world.
conservation
To promote the health and stability of natural habitats and the populations of marine life, particularly those of Long Island Sound and adjacent waters.
Mystic Aquarium Diversity Statement
A fascinating range of cultures, personalities, and backgrounds call our ocean planet home. We celebrate and welcome human life to fuel our mission to care for and protect our marine life. Just as ecosystems thrive in immense diversity, Mystic Aquarium strengthens the inclusive spirit of its community with a collaborative approach to unique perspectives, ideas, and beliefs. With an unwavering commitment to create and foster the best strategies to improve our ocean planet, Mystic Aquarium empowers its staff, volunteers, guests, and board members to grow authentically and embrace their individuality as it aligns with our mission.
Institutional Leadership
To become a renowned national and international source of zoological, aquatic and marine-life science information within the scientific and academic communities.
Leadership
Stephen M. Coan, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Larry Rivarde
Executive Vice President and COO
Koray Gurz
Senior Vice President and CFO
Katie Cubina
Senior Vice President, Mission Programs
Keith Sorensen
Senior Vice President, Facilities and Capital Projects
Allison D. Tuttle, DVM, Diplomate ACZM
Senior Vice President of Zoological Operations
Kelly Matis
Vice President, Education and Conservation
Tina Couch
Vice President, Development
Board of Trustees
George M. Milne, Jr., Ph.D. (Chairman)
Senior Partner
Radius Ventures, LLC
Stephen M. Coan, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Tom Marra (Vice Chair)
Chairman of the Board
Symetra Financial Corporation
Thomas Mosey (Vice Chair)
President & CEO
Mini Melts, Inc.
Susette Tibus (Vice Chair)
Owner
Simply Majestic
Leigh Anne Bonney (Treasurer)
Retired
Susan Pochal (Secretary)
Pochal and Pochal, LLC
Peter B. Barr, D.B.A.
President, Glenville State College
Retired
Rodney Butler
Chairman
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council
Attorney Peter G. Drakos
The Law Office of Peter Drakos, LLC
Randall L. Fiveash
Director, Connecticut Office of Tourism
Terry D. Garcia
CEO
Exploration Ventures
Marjorie A. Geiger
Patrick L. Green, FACHE
President & CEO, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital & Westerly Hospital
Executive Vice President, Yale New Haven Health
Jack Heflin
Owner
Heflin Properties
Kevin R. Hennessy
State Policy Director
Dominion Resources, Inc.
John Holstein
Principal & CEO
First H&M Corporation
Cecilie Jedlicka
Timothy J. Kane
CEO
Goodway Technologies Corp.
Richard Katz, MD
Griffin Hospital
Retired
Dr. Sarah Kelly
TGIR Consulting, LLC
George H. Kirby III
President & CEO
Ocean Power Technologies
Michael Lech
Readco, LLC
Alex Marku
Owner
A Beautiful Company and Buon Appetito Ristorante
Steven Perrelli
Vice President Sales Center Operations
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Northern New England, Inc
Jason Reese
Alinea Strategic Solutions
Antonio Roberto
Managing Director of Strategic Investments, CT Innovations
Stephan Salem
President
Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation
Tan Hee Teck
President
Genting Singapore
Trustees Emeritus
Attorney Carolyn Kelly
Suisman
Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law
Daniel C. Verdier
Cirrus Construction Company, Inc.