New England Aquarium Corporation

Transcription

1 New England Aquarium Corporation General Information New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA (617) Website Organization Contact Jennifer Pires Year of Incorporation

2 Statements & Search Criteria Mission Statement The New England Aquarium combines education, entertainment and action to address the most challenging problems facing the oceans. We aim to create a new generation of ocean stewards, while providing regional, national and global leadership in marine conservation. The New England Aquarium is the only Boston-based cultural institution with a mission focused primarily on the environment, promoting the importance of protecting the blue planet through innovative exhibits and educational programs Background Statement Since opening in 1969, the New England Aquarium has grown into an international leader in aquatic research and conservation, a leading attraction for residents and visitors, and an important resource for the region s schools, families, and individuals. Over the years, audiences have grown to 1.3+ million annually, with more than 70% of visitors bringing children. About 100,000 schoolchildren visit every year, and outreach programs serve more than 35,000 youth in schools, after-schools, and community organizations. 24,000 households hold memberships. NEAq focuses on maintaining core programs and permanent exhibits while developing initiatives that further engage the public and provide opportunities for involvement. Education programs support the mission through opportunities for diverse audiences, both onsite and in the community. The Aquarium engages people of all ages, from hands-on science programs and a unique summer camp for children; to science workshops for younger teens and internships in high school; to opportunities for adults to gain deeper knowledge through lectures and films. NEAq also serves a global constituency including a broad community of marine conservation scientists and educators through collaboration with scientific and cultural institutions, government agencies, and industry (fishing, shipping, and seafood distribution). NEAq scientists study issues involving fisheries, aquaculture, and marine mammal interaction with humans. The North Atlantic Right Whale Research Project tracks and studies these rarest of the large whales. Our Conservation division helped establish Phoenix Islands Protected area, one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world. Our Sustainable Seafood Advisory Services program collaborates with fishermen and the seafood industry to minimize the environmental impacts of fishing, and reaches out to consumers to help educate the public about responsible seafood choices. NEAq researchers have produced many important studies that have informed efforts to understand and protect species and their habitats around the globe. Our research department is responsible for nearly 50% of peer-reviewed literature generated by public aquariums in North America 2

3 Impact Statement New England Aquarium recent accomplishments included the following: The continued care of two rescued Northern fur seal pups at the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center. Leu, born in 2012, was rescued in California, and under the care of NEAq trainers is thriving in his new home. Childax, also a fur seal pup, was rescued off the Aleutian Islands and joined the exhibit in December In addition to these rescued animals, the Aquarium s fur-seal breeding program has brought another two new pups to the exhibit. Ursula gave birth to Flaherty in July 2012, and a year later Kitovi Meanwhile, the Aquarium continues to work to protect endangered marine animals. Each year, our Marine Animal Rescue team cares for stranded sea turtles, nursing them back to health so they can return to the ocean. Our Right Whale Research Team studies this endangered animal to promote its protection. They recently mastered the collection of respiratory vapor exhaled by whales, using nets on long poles. Samples are analyzed in NEAq s newly renovated John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory. This breakthrough is providing important information to help in our efforts to save this critically-endangered whale. Our education programs reach thousands of people of all ages, on site and in the community. We completed the first year of IMLS funding for the Communities Connecting to the Ocean program, which reaches six partner afterschool and summer programs in Boston with mission oriented programming through a focus on literacy and science skill development. The project will reach hundreds of interpreters and tens of millions of visitors. Needs Statement The New England Aquarium (NEAq) opened in 1969 on Boston s Central Wharf. Since then, it has grown into an international leader in marine research and conservation, a leading attraction for residents and visitors, and an important resource for the region s schools. Over the years, audiences have grown to 1.3+ million annually. About 100,000 schoolchildren visit each year and outreach programs serve more than 35,000 children in schools and community organizations. NEAq focuses on maintaining core programs and exhibits while developing new initiatives that further support our mission. We provide educational opportunities for diverse audiences, both onsite and in the community. These range from a summer camp for children to science workshops for younger teens, internships for high school students and a lectures series for adults. NEAq serves a global constituency, including a broad community of conservation scientists and educators. Our scientists study issues involving fisheries, aquaculture, and marine mammal interaction with humans. Our Conservation division helped establish the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world. Sustainable Seafood Programs collaborate with the seafood industry to minimize the environmental impacts of fishing. Service Categories Zoos & Aquariums Museums Marine Science and Oceanography Geographic Areas Served 3

4 Surveys show that about 30% of our visitors come from Greater Boston and more than half visit from out of state. Education programs serve children and families throughout Boston s inner-city neighborhoods, and in communities throughout New England, and collaborative work with other Aquariums extends across the U.S. and Canada. Our research and conservation programs work with seafood suppliers and retailers, shipping and fishing industry representatives, and government agencies worldwide Please review online profile for full list of selected areas served. 4

5 Programs Marine Animal Rescue Description Our focus is rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles, the majority of which are Kemp s ridleys, one of the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Each fall as waters cool, hypothermic juvenile sea turtles wash up on Cape Cod beaches. Turtles are then admitted into our Animal Care Center (ACC) in Quincy, Massachusetts, where we rehabilitate them until healthy enough for re-release into the wild. Whenever possible, we attach satellite tags to turtles to track post-release movements, which indicate that our efforts are benefiting the population. Studying sea turtle biology and behavior helps us understand threats and promote the species recovery. The stranding season begins in the fall and continues through December. During 2014, the ACC received record numbers of rescued cold-stunned juvenile turtles more than 700 found on the beaches of Cape-Cod. With the help of the Massachusetts Audubon Society at Wellfleet Bay, and partner organizations, these animals were stabilized. They will be rehabilitated and eventually will be released back into the ocean. Budget Category Animal-Related, General/Other Wild Animals Preservation & Protection Population Served General/Unspecified,, Program Short Term Success Because all sea turtles are threatened and Kemp s ridleys the turtle we treat most often are endangered, every rehabilitation has an impact on the population of these animals in the wild. When treating turtles, we collect valuable data about their biology and health, which we share with the scientific community. Satellite tagging technology gives our biologists instant feedback on the location of animals and their swimming speed and diving depths after release. Tracking data are posted on the website and shared with members of the stranding community, public website viewers and by NEAq educators for visitor programs. Using GIS (Global Information Systems), we can then build habitat models using these data in conjunction with real-time satellite data to further understand habitat use. 5

6 Program Long term Success Marine animals, particularly pelagic (open ocean-dwelling) species, are difficult to observe and understand. Over time, the rehabilitation of stranded turtles and use of satellite tags to track animals following release will allow us to fully understand and share information that may help protect these endangered animals. We will begin to answer questions about their migration routes, eating patterns, and interaction with humans. This information will increase understanding of sea turtles, help inform actions that will protect them, and ultimately help ensure more healthy populations in the wild. There is large gap of information on the natural history of Kemp s ridley and green sea turtles that occur in northeast US waters. Data collected from the satellite tags may be used by NEAq and our partner rehabilitation organizations to determine optimal release sites and conditions that will improve the survival of the turtles. Program Success Monitored By We measure our success based on our ability to influence a positive outcome for all stranded animals. We work closely with a network of partner stranding organizations to ensure the best treatment for animals in rehabilitation, and train hundreds of volunteers to ensure our best efforts. We also measure success by our ability to communicate data gathered, through data shared online, publications, and presentations at conferences. Finally, we strive to inform the public about what to do when they encounter a stranded animal. Examples of Program Success Generally, 80% of turtles we take in to rehabilitate many of which have contracted pneumonia and other serious diseases are healthy enough for release within one year. Recently, a turtle we rehabilitated and released from the east coast was tracked to a nesting beach thousands of miles away. This female turtle who would certainly have died after becoming hypothermic near Cape Cod, Massachusetts re-entered the wild after a successful rehabilitation with NEAq, and resumed her role in the cycle of life. 6

7 Education programs Description New England Aquarium education programs reach large numbers with our mission of ocean conservation, providing fun, intriguing experiences. At the same time, we offer more in-depth experiences for target audiences to deepen ocean literacy and environmental stewardship. One of our signature programs, Teen Internships hires 100 inner-city teens every year for intensive, practical experiences. Our program is admired for its structured yet nurturing environment. Teens gain leadership skills and learn about marine science, college admissions and career development. Working in areas including visitor education, camp, research, and animal care, teens have unique experiences (caring for exhibit animals, studying lobster shell disease) and gain confidence through challenges, such speaking in front of 100 visitors. All Interns develop critical work skills: time management, customer service, and teamwork; and begin to form a lifelong stewardship ethic. Budget Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Education, General/Other Afterschool Enrichment Children and Youth (0-19 years), Minorities, General/Unspecified Our education programs utilize pre- and post-program surveys, online feedback forms, informal (word-of-mouth) feedback, and internal meetings to assess progress. Comparing pre- and postprogram surveys, all Teen Interns show evidence of increased environmental awareness. 95% of teens hired complete their internships; 50% of interns return for repeat internships or participate in other NEAq education programs; of interns who are high school seniors, 95% attend college. Our education programs foster environmental stewards who understand how aquatic habitats are interconnected, recognize the importance of protecting the ocean s health, and are committed to stewarding the oceans. Many of our teens participate in environmental stewardship projects in their communities, make specific commitments to promote environmental stewardship in their families, and go on to study related subjects in college. We monitor success of our education programs in part through feedback from participants and their families and through continuity of participation (from one program to the other or repeated participation in one program over time). Teen interns are asked to complete pre- and post-tests to measure gains in conservation knowledge; conduct mid-year and end-of-year selfevaluations; ask their supervisors to provide feedback; and where necessary, complete a teen-designed Performance Improvement Plan. We look for improvements in confidence, knowledge and leadership over time. 7

8 Examples of Program Success Lily was a Teen Intern at the New England Aquarium for four years, and went on to study at UMass-Amherst. She wrote of her experience, I used to be a very shy and timid person, but I learned to speak in front of crowds up to 300 people and to teach other teens about professionalism and aquatic life, something that I myself learned here. As a teen who has gone through many personal family issues, knowing that someone was here to talk to made most of the stress just lift off of my mind. The Aquarium opened my eyes to an array of opportunities and resources. I realized that society has such a negative view of teens, so when they see teens doing great things like working at the Aquarium it gives hope for the success of my generation. Doing things like animal presentations and roving interpreter I realized the power of words and how using what the Aquarium taught me I could teach a complete stranger something new. 8

9 Exhibits Description The New England Aquarium showcases the diversity of the blue planet through living exhibits. Our interpreters engage visitors and provide connections to charismatic animals such as penguins, sharks, rays, sea turtles and seals, helping our audiences better understand marine life and ways we can help protect ocean health. In 2013 we completed a dramatic renovation of our Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit, known as the Giant Ocean Tank, or GOT. Visible from multiple points in our central exhibit space, the GOT s 52 windows provide intimate views at many levels. The new GOT features a brilliant new coral reef structure and a reflective dome at the top. Now known as the Yawkey Coral Reef Center, the top level includes a new seven-tank exhibit gallery that offers a close-up look at animals that might not be easily seen or understood on the reef. This area puts a magnifying glass on some unique Caribbean environments, providing a closer look at their diversity and beauty. Other exhibits completed during our Mission Blue Campaign include: the Blue Planet Action Center (2013; showcasing our research and conservation work), the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center (2009), and the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank (2011). Together, they present a new Aquarium experience for a changing world. Budget Category Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Museums Population Served General/Unspecified,, Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By This Giant Ocean Tank renovation and enhancement project will guarantee the GOT s structural integrity and ensure that this exhibit preserves its dramatic, inspirational and educational role for the more than 1.3 million people who visit each year. Through the new Giant Ocean Tank, our visitors will learn about the importance of coral reefs and the threats the face. They will gain a strong appreciation for the oceans and understand how their actions can help protect ocean life and habitats. We monitor success through exit surveys of visitors, through Mystery Shoppers who provide feedback anonymously about their experience, and through informal feedback. Levels of attendance following publicity around exhibits are another indicator. 9

10 Examples of Program Success Immediately following the opening of our newest exhibits, the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank in 2011 and the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center in 2009, attendance increased dramatically. Leading a national coalition of aquariums, we have collaborated to develop techniques for effectively educating visitors about climate change. The methodology has informed many other aspects of our visitor education program, and will be incorporated into interpretation around the Giant Ocean Tank when it re-opens. 10

11 Conservation and Research Programs Description Through conservation and research programs, the Aquarium implements new solutions to protect the oceans. Some examples: The North Atlantic right whale program, studies these endangered animals and helps reduce threats by partnering with government agencies and the shipping and fishing industries. Our Sustainable Seafood programs collaborate with fisheries to minimize environmental impacts, advise suppliers and retailers on sustainable seafood sources, and reach out to consumers to encourage responsible seafood choices. Our Global Explorers include staff scientists who travel the world to study ocean habitats and species. From coral reefs to the wide open ocean and the unexplored depths, our work takes us on expeditions around the world. Other programs study lobster shell disease, examine the effects of noise and other stressors on marine animals, seek to reduce bycatch, and address time sensitive issues through financial and technical assistance. For more information, visit our website Budget Category Environment, General/Other Marine Conservation Population Served General/Unspecified,, Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Some examples of short term goals include: Through pioneering research, develop an improved understanding of the effects of stress on whales and turtles, the causes of lobster shell disease, and the potential impacts of climate change on ocean animals. As a result of more than 20 years of research and advocacy, see an increase in the population of North Atlantic right whales. There are currently fewer than 500 of these animals. By collaborating with the Government of Kiribati and Conservation International, ensure the long term protection of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. Human activities threaten animals and habitats across the world. The Aquarium actively works to protect ecosystems from human impacts and conserve threatened animals and habitats. In the long term, we would like to see Increased population numbers for endangered marine species Elimination of unsustainable fishing practices Improved health of coral reefs around the world Governments, industries and individuals acting in ways that conserve rather than threaten the oceans Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success We have successfully spearheaded two separate campaigns to relocate commercial shipping vessels in an effort to reduce the risk of accidental collision between right whales and large boats and vessels. In 2006, the New England Aquarium led the charge to protect the Phoenix Islands and their pristine reefs. Today, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is the one of the world s largest marine protected areas. Our John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory has pioneered the development of hormone assays for whales and sea turtles. 11

12 Program Comments CEO Comments There are many ways to support the New England Aquarium: Become a member on the Aquarium's website. Our members enjoy free admission as well as exclusive discounts, invitations and special offers. Plus, your membership supports the Aquarium s efforts to protect the blue planet. Make a donation. Become a part of our giving societies by giving to the annual fund, or by sponsoring a specific program or animal. All donations make a lasting impact toward the Aquarium s mission and programs. Become a corporate partner. Your organization can enjoy the Aquarium and support science education, aquatic conservation and research by becoming a Corporate Sponsor or Corporate Member. Enjoy a variety of benefits, including complimentary admission, visibility and recognition, promotional opportunities and much more. Provide foundation support. The Aquarium relies on significant support from grant-making foundations that value our contribution to Boston, New England and the world s oceans. 12

13 Management CEO/Executive Director Executive Director Dr. Nigella Hillgarth PhD Term Start May Experience Former CEOs Name Term Howard Ris Sept May 2014 Mr Edward Toomey 0-0 Senior Staff P. Erik Krauss Title Chief Operating and Financial Officer Experience/Biography Scott Kraus Ph.D. Title Vice President, Research Experience/Biography William Spitzer Ph.D. Title Vice President, Programs, Exhibits & Planning Experience/Biography Jane Wolfson Title Vice President, Communications & Marketing Experience/Biography Joseph Zani Title Controller & Vice President, Finance & Operations Experience/Biography Heather Tausig Title Associate Vice President, Conservation Experience/Biography 13

14 Suellen Peluso Title Vice President, Development Experience/Biography Mark Smith Title Vice President of Animal Care Experience/Biography Ann Perry Title Vice President, Human Resources Experience/Biography Staff Information Full Time Staff Part Time Staff Volunteers Contractors Retention Rate % Staff Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other More than one race Staff Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified Formal Evaluations CEO Formal Evaluation CEO/Executive Formal Evaluation Frequency Senior Management Formal Evaluation Annually 14

15 Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency NonManagement Formal Evaluation Non Management Formal Evaluation Frequency Annually Annually Plans & Policies Organization has a Fundraising Plan? Organization has a Strategic Plan? Years Strategic Plan Considers No Date Strategic Plan Adopted Jan 2007 Does your organization have a Business Continuity of Operations Plan? Management Succession Plan? Organization Policy and Procedures Nondiscrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Destruction Policy Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Is your organization licensed by the Government? Registration Permit? 7 Under Development Under Development Risk Management Provisions Accident and Injury Coverage Automobile Insurance Automobile Insurance and Umbrella or Excess Insurance Blanket Personal Property Boiler and Machinery Builders Risk Business Income Commercial General Insurance Commercial General Liability Computer Equipment and Software Crime Coverage Directors and Officers Policy Disability Insurance Employee Benefits Liability Employee Dishonesty Employment Practices Liability Fiduciary Liability 15

16 Flood General Property Coverage Improper Sexual Conduct/Sexual Abuse Inland Marine and Mobile Equipment Life Insurance Liquor Liability Medical Health Insurance Property in Transit and Off Premises Public Benefit Guaranty Corporation Umbrella or Excess Insurance Water Craft and Aircraft Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability Workplace Violence Collaborations The New England Aquarium works in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and businesses: ~ Leading the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative, with partners that include Project Oceanology (CT), the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (ME), Northeastern University Marine Science Center, and others. ~ Reducing accidental capture of non-target species such as sharks and dolphins in fishing gear through the Consortium for Bycatch Reduction, a partnership between the fishing industry and research institutions. ~ Conserving one of the largest marine protected areas worldwide in the Phoenix Islands with Conservation International and the Government of Kiribati. ~ Building strategies for climate change education though partnerships with aquariums (National Aquarium in Baltimore, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and others), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Center of Science and Industry, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums. ~ Working with retail and restaurant chains to provide carefully-researched recommendations on seafood purchasing through our Sustainable Seafood Advisory Services. ~ Developing the Ocean Health Index, a tool to measure the health of the world s oceans, in collaboration with Conservation International and National Geographic. External Assessments and Accreditations Assessment/Accreditation Year Association of Zoos and Aquariums- Accreditation 2011 American Association of Museums 2007 Affiliations Affiliation Year American Association of Museums - Member 0 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 0 16

17 Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Mrs. Donna Keene Hazard Company Affiliation Volunteer Term Jan 2010 to Jan Board Members Name Affiliation Status Robert Beal The Beal Companies, LLP Voting Maliz E. Beams ING Retirement Voting Anita Bekenstein Volunteer Voting R. William Burgess, Jr. ABS Ventures Voting Thomas R. Burton III Volunteer Voting Linda N Cabot Volunteer Voting Carolyn J. Campanelli No Affiliation Voting Jared A. Chase Volunteer Voting W. Reed Chisholm Goldman, Sachs & Company Exofficio David I. Crowley Wachusett Mountain Voting Dean Goodermote Volunteer Voting Harry A. Hanson III Feinberg Hanson, LLP Voting Donna Hazard No Affiliation Voting Kathleen Healy Volunteer Voting Tim Healy EnerNOC Voting Ogden Hunnewell Nordic Properties Voting Jeffrey Hurst Commonwealth Capital Ventures Voting Douglass E. Karp NED Management, L.P. Voting Thomas King National Grid Voting P. E. Krauss 33Across Inc. Voting Stephen C. Peacher Sun Life Financial Voting Pamela Petri-Humphrey Volunteer Voting Mary T. Renner Volunteer Voting Duncan W. Richardson Volunteer Voting Richard Allan Soden Esq. Goodwin Procter, LLP Voting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian

18 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 0 0 Board Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified Board Information Board Term Lengths Board Term Limits Number of Full Board Meetings Annually Board Meeting Attendance % Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions Constituency Includes Client Representation % No 100% Standing Committees Audit Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts Executive Finance Investment Nominating Real Estate 18

19 Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Jan 01, 2014 Fiscal Year End Dec 31, 2014 Projected Revenue $45,670, Projected Expenses $42,569, Endowment? Spending Policy N/A Credit Line? Reserve Fund? Months Reserve Fund Covers 0 Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year Total Revenue $38,191,477 $41,228,523 $47,612,471 Total Expenses $42,202,984 $39,039,309 $38,741,271 Revenue Sources Fiscal Year Foundation and Corporation $286,000 $279,800 $257,500 Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal State Local Unspecified Individual Contributions $3,428,963 $6,056,042 $13,634,623 Indirect Public Support Earned Revenue $30,537,434 $30,494,221 $30,543,058 Investment Income, Net of Losses $575,241 $550,588 ($233,882) Membership Dues $3,104,401 $3,498,770 $3,147,368 Special Events $109,000 $42, Revenue In-Kind Other $150,438 $306,638 $263,804 19

20 Expense Allocation Fiscal Year Program Expense $37,327,416 $34,363,016 $32,988,250 Administration Expense $3,056,478 $2,849,951 $3,693,039 Fundraising Expense $1,819,090 $1,826,342 $2,059,982 Payments to Affiliates Total Revenue/Total Expenses Program Expense/Total Expenses 88% 88% 85% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 48% 29% 15% Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year Total Assets $92,269,568 $87,159,642 $84,478,449 Current Assets $6,434,789 $9,119,621 $11,967,003 Long-Term Liabilities $31,362,443 $22,601,437 $23,529,231 Current Liabilities $7,775,616 $9,141,900 $7,735,780 Total Net Assets $53,131,509 $55,416,305 $53,213,438 Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets 34% 26% 28% Top Funding Sources Fiscal Year Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? No No Comments Foundation Staff Comments Financial summary data in the charts and graphs above is per the organization's IRS Form 990s. Contributions from foundations and corporations are listed under individuals when the breakout was not available. Please note, the amount in the foundation and corporation category for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 reflects corporate sponsorships only. Created Copyright 2017 The Boston Foundation 20