The president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium announced Thursday that he is completing his tenure after serving the organization for 20 years.
“Dr. Steve Coan has been a transformational leader at Mystic Aquarium. We will never forget all the things that we and the community owe” him,” Dr. George Milne, chair of the Mystic Aquarium Board of Trustees, said in a statement.
The Board of Trustees asked Coan to serve as CEO Emeritus and assist with the transition, including fundraising and strategic counsel, the statement said.
Gov. Ned Lamont noted in a separate statement that the aquarium is one “of Connecticut’s largest cultural destinations, and its success over the last 16 years is no doubt due in large part to Steve’s leadership.”
“Not only is Mystic Aquarium a premier attraction when it comes to tourism, but it provides an incredible educational resource for many Connecticut students, partnering with our schools and providing learning opportunities and programs that encourage growth and development,” Lamont said. “Steve’s influence is felt through all of the valuable learning opportunities the organization provides.
“He has also been immensely dedicated to the growth of the Southeastern Connecticut region, including through his service as board chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. I thank Steve for his many years of service, and I wish him the best in his retirement,” the governor said.
Millne said Coan “made Mystic Aquarium a place where all people feel welcomed.
“Today we are known nationally and internationally as one of the world’s best and most innovative Aquariums,” Milne said.
During Coan’s tenure at Mystic, construction that took place included the Immersion Building, Wiederhold Animal Care Building, the Milne Conservation and Ocean Science Building, infrastructure improvements, renovation of the Ocean Conservation Center, and installation of new exhibits, according to the organization.
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“I am incredibly grateful for my time with Mystic Aquarium, especially its staff and volunteers. We have a diverse and outstanding Leadership Team, and a wonderful Board of Trustees,” Coan said in the statement. “I am also grateful to our Chairman, Dr. George Milne, and those who participate in the leadership councils that we established, including the President’s Council, Research Advisory Council and Volunteer Advisory Council.
“Most importantly, I would like to thank all those within this great institution who committed themselves to countless rescue efforts of Marine Life over the past twenty years. The rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of animals during these years is something of which I am most proud.”
Coan will continue to serve as co-chairman of the Innovation Center in New London, and as chair of the State of Connecticut Tourism Advisory Council. He also is chairman of Strategic Planning for the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and serves on the board of the Feinstein Family Foundation, which serve disadvantaged and at-risk youth, and the Ben-Veniste Family Foundation, which focuses on ocean conservation, according to the statement
Katie Cubina, senior vice president of Mission Programs will serve as interim president and CEO and Koray Gurz, chief financial officer, as interim chief operating officer during the transition, according to the organization
