The Aquarium of the Pacific has appointed Jeffrey Flocken as its new president and Chief Executive Officer, continuing their efforts in species conservation and animal welfare.
Flocken will bring a wealth of knowledge and connections in policy, communications, conservation science, sustainability, fundraising and managing teams to enact change whilst bettering the lives of animals,empowering communities and working to save species.
“The Aquarium is not just a place to connect with animals and nature. We are committed to conserving our planet. We already have important programs that are saving species, but want to take this to the next level,” said Aquarium of the Pacific Board Chair Jennifer Hagle in a public statement. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeffrey Flocken and all of the knowledge and expertise he brings to establish the Aquarium of the Pacific as a national and international leader in conservation.”
Flocken’s prior experience includes roles in multiple organizations, including president of Humane Society International and North American regional director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Flocken has a juris doctor degree from the Wayne State School of Law and a bachelor of science in communications and English from the University of Michigan.
“I am honored to be joining the nationally esteemed institution of the Aquarium of the Pacific,” Flocken said in a public statement. “Having devoted my life to trying to make the planet a better place for animals and people, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the perfect place for me to not only focus on marine life, but also embrace the vibrant community in Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area.”
Flocken is also the co-founder of Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders, an international organization dedicated to training and mentoring up-and-coming leaders in the wildlife conservation field. He also serves on the boards and steering communities for the Great Plains Foundation, Jackson Wild Wildlife Film Festival and Conservation Summit, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Tapir Specialist Group, and Jaguar Conservation Fund of Brazil.
Flocken has published work related to giraffes, pangolins and African lions, including co-authoring the book “Wildlife Heroes” on 40 of the world’s leading conservationists and the animals they are committed to saving. He also co-created Humane Society International’s animal advocacy short film “Save Ralph,” winner of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity’s Grand Prix for Good award.
“The City of Long Beach looks forward to welcoming Jeffrey Flocken to serve as the Aquarium of the Pacific’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Flocken has the right blend of vision, experience and integrity to lead the organization and its dynamic workforce into their next chapter,” said Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica in a public statement. “His proven track record of inspiring others and achieving ambitious goals will be invaluable in the years ahead as the Aquarium seeks to continue to inspire locals in new ways and elevate its status as a regional and national destination.”
Flocken will be joined in Long Beach by his wife Mary Crimmings, their daughter Collette, and their rescued dog and cat, Chewbacca and Dasher.
This article was updated on Dec. 4 to correct the spelling of Jeffrey Flocken’s name. The Signal Tribune apologizes this error.
