A Warm Welcome for Our New President and CEO Jeffrey Flocken

As I finish up my first few weeks as an official Southern California resident, I’m thrilled to say that all the factors that drew me to accepting the position of CEO and President for the Aquarium of the Pacific have proven true: I’ve joined a team of top professionals at all levels of the organization, the impressive abundance of animal welfare and conservation initiatives ensure the care and protection of marine animals both in the Aquarium and in the wild, and there is a clear and passionate commitment to education, learning, and inspiration unparalleled with anywhere I’ve worked before.

But what was a happy and unexpected surprise to me was the rich and layered sense of community that I have stepped into. In all my years as a professional animal advocate and executive, I’ve never seen such a sincere and warm welcome as the one that I have experienced since joining the Aquarium of the Pacific. Before I even arrived, the Aquarium’s employees, volunteers, and Board of Directors had created a friendly welcoming space for me to step into this role. This has set me up for success as a team member and leader working to fulfill the Aquarium’s critical mission.

And the local community has been equally enthusiastic; my Aquarium of the Pacific-branded jacket has again and again provided an entrée for people in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County to approach me and tell me how much they love the Aquarium. I’ve heard stories from servers, store clerks, neighbors, and even the man who sold me my car, about how important the Aquarium was for them growing up, how they bring their children or grandchildren here almost every weekend, or how visits to the Aquarium as an adult have continued to build in them a sense of wonder about the ocean and its incredible inhabitants of all shapes and sizes. Each individual’s story or memory about the Aquarium’s role in this community has further solidified the decision that I made to take this job and relocate to Southern California.

I now know that not only will I be able to continue my life’s purpose in helping animals at the global, regional and local level, but I have also become part of a community of people who love the organization I now work for and cherish its mission to both protect the ocean and also be an integral part of the diverse and vibrant community.

As a supporter of the Aquarium, you are a critical part of this community, and I look forward to hearing all your stories of what role the Aquarium of the Pacific has played in your own life. And I am thankful each morning that I walk into the Aquarium that I now get the honor to be part of this community alongside you.