Mystic Aquarium Appoints Conservation Veteran Rachel Metz as New President and CEO

MYSTIC, CT — In a move signaling a new era of strategic growth and intensified focus on global conservation, the Board of Trustees at Mystic Aquarium announced on September 24, 2026, that it has selected Rachel Metz as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Metz, a distinguished executive currently serving as the Vice President of Animal Wellbeing and Conservation at the Philadelphia Zoo, will succeed Susette Tibus, bringing nearly three decades of high-level expertise to one of the nation’s most prominent marine research and education institutions.

A New Vision for Marine Stewardship

The appointment of Rachel Metz follows an exhaustive national search aimed at finding a leader capable of balancing the complex requirements of a modern aquarium: world-class animal care, groundbreaking scientific research, and a deeply engaging visitor experience.

Metz’s arrival is widely viewed by industry experts as a strategic pivot toward integrating traditional zoological care with modern conservation advocacy. Her tenure at the Philadelphia Zoo—an institution that welcomes nearly one million visitors annually—has been defined by her ability to bridge the gap between complex, cross-functional organizational management and the emotional resonance of animal-human connections. As Mystic Aquarium navigates the challenges of the 21st century, from climate-driven habitat loss to the rising demand for sustainable tourism, Metz’s experience in large-scale organizational transformation is expected to be a primary asset.

The Professional Trajectory of a Conservation Leader

Rachel Metz’s career is a study in multifaceted leadership. For nearly 30 years, she has operated at the intersection of biology, philanthropy, and public policy. Her professional journey has not only spanned the operational necessities of animal husbandry but has also extended into the high-stakes world of major donor engagement and government relations.

Chronology of Expertise

• Early Career: Developing foundational skills in animal welfare and community-based education.
• The Philadelphia Years: Rising through the ranks to Vice President, where she oversaw the complex interplay between animal wellbeing, internal staff culture, and public-facing conservation programs.
• Philanthropic Success: A consistent track record of securing multi-million-dollar gifts, demonstrating an ability to align private philanthropy with measurable conservation outcomes.
• Strategic Leadership: Leading cross-functional teams through periods of institutional change, emphasizing mission-driven culture and sustainable growth.

Official Responses and Institutional Confidence

The transition at the executive level of Mystic Aquarium is being managed with a focus on continuity and long-term vision. George Milne, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized that the decision to hire Metz was based on more than just her technical qualifications.

"Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful, and inspiring leader whose experience and values are exceptionally well aligned with Mystic Aquarium," said Milne. "She understands that organizations like ours have an extraordinary opportunity to connect people with animals and the natural world while advancing conservation, research, education, and animal wellbeing. We are confident she will build on Mystic Aquarium’s strong foundation while helping us imagine what is possible for the future."

Tom Marra, Board Chair-Elect, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cultural shift the board hopes to achieve under Metz’s guidance. "Throughout the search process, we were impressed not only by what Rachel has accomplished, but by how she leads. She is collaborative, curious, and deeply committed to people as well as the mission."

Passing the Torch: The Legacy of Susette Tibus

Metz succeeds Susette Tibus, who has served as President and CEO since April 2023. Tibus’s departure marks the end of a pivotal chapter in the aquarium’s history. During her tenure, she navigated the institution through post-pandemic recovery and reinforced its role as a premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center.

Reflecting on her time leading the organization, Tibus expressed deep gratitude. "It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to serve Mystic Aquarium and work alongside such an extraordinary team. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the commitment and passion our staff brings to this mission every day."

The Board of Trustees has committed to a seamless transition, with Tibus working closely with Metz to ensure that the momentum of the aquarium’s various research projects and educational initiatives remains uninterrupted.

Implications for the Future of Mystic Aquarium

The appointment of Metz comes at a time when the role of aquariums is being re-evaluated globally. No longer viewed solely as centers for exhibition, institutions like Mystic are increasingly viewed as "living laboratories."

Expanding the Research Horizon

Metz’s background suggests an increased focus on the Aquarium’s research department. As a leading nonprofit organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in critical ocean sustainability projects. Metz’s expertise in "conservation outcomes" implies a shift toward translating laboratory data into public policy and community education.

Strengthening Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

As the northeast’s premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center, Mystic Aquarium occupies a critical role in regional biodiversity protection. Metz is expected to leverage her experience in animal wellbeing to further professionalize the rescue infrastructure, ensuring that the aquarium remains at the forefront of wildlife emergency response.

Guest Experience and Educational Impact

With approximately 800,000 visitors annually, the aquarium serves as a primary touchpoint for environmental education. Metz has indicated an interest in evolving how the aquarium communicates its mission to the public. Her goal is to bring together animal care, scientific research, and guest interactions in "new ways that expand the Aquarium’s impact." This likely points to a strategy involving more immersive exhibits and technology-driven storytelling to deepen the visitor’s connection to the ocean planet.

A Commitment to Mission

In her initial statements, Metz emphasized the importance of listening and learning before implementing significant changes. "What has stood out to me throughout this process is not only the extraordinary work happening here, but also the passion people have for this organization and its mission," she said.

This, perhaps, is the defining characteristic of her leadership style: a collaborative, team-first approach that prioritizes the "human element" of conservation. By fostering a mission-driven culture, Metz hopes to empower the staff to push the boundaries of what is possible in marine science.

Supporting Data: Why Mystic Aquarium Matters

To understand the significance of this appointment, one must look at the scope of the institution Metz is inheriting:

• Status: A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a legacy of high-level scientific inquiry.
• Reach: A gateway for nearly one million people a year to engage with marine life.
• Operations: A specialized center for marine mammal rescue, which requires highly trained personnel and significant financial resources.
• Scientific Footprint: A full-time scientific staff contributing to global ocean research and sustainability.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As the aquarium prepares for this transition, the atmosphere in Mystic is one of cautious optimism. The Board has successfully identified a leader who possesses the rare combination of fiscal acumen and deep biological empathy.

Metz will join the organization later this year, with an official start date to be announced shortly. As she steps into the role, the eyes of the conservation world will be on Mystic, watching to see how her vision for the "ocean planet" takes shape. For an organization that prides itself on inspiring people to protect our waters, the arrival of a seasoned, mission-driven executive like Rachel Metz represents more than just a change in leadership—it represents a commitment to the next generation of ocean stewardship.

By marrying her experience in the complex world of zoological institutions with a forward-looking approach to research and public engagement, Metz is poised to ensure that Mystic Aquarium remains not just a destination for visitors, but a vital engine for the health of our global marine environment.