Samantha Norton is the Senior Director of Learning Programs at Shedd Aquarium. She has worked in the field of museum education for over 15 years. Currently she administers the implementation of a comprehensive vision for learner-centered development, programs and experiences. She oversees the team responsible for teen field experiences, digital badging, summer camps, school experiences and out of school time programs. These types of opportunities foster science literacy, environmental literacy and 21st century skills.

Previously, Samantha spent time as the Director of Guest Engagement at Shedd Aquarium overseeing the exhibit interpretive experiences, volunteers and teen work study programs. She was also the project manager of the development and implementation of Shedd’s Teen Learning Lab. Samantha also spent some time at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo as an educator and member of the husbandry team for the Children’s Zoo. Before embarking on her career, Norton received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and physical anthropology with an emphasis in primatology from Northern Illinois University.

Board Member since: 2015

Current positions: Treasurer, Nominations Chair, Member of Leadership and Branding and Strategic Development Action Teams