Debra Neuman Named SVP of Advancement for Mystic Aquarium

Debra Neuman Named Senior Vice President of Advancement
for Mystic Aquarium

Mystic, CT – Mystic Aquarium is pleased to announce the appointment of Debra Neuman to Senior Vice President of Advancement.  In her role, Debra will be responsible for building and growing a comprehensive fundraising program and growing individual major gifts programs in support of the mission programs at Mystic Aquarium. She will oversee the Mystic Aquarium team responsible for development, grant writing and major gifts. 

Debra brings over 30 years of experience in corporate communications, public and external relations and development for a myriad of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.  She has considerable experience in nonprofit leadership most recently with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation with strong and sustained growth results.

Her background also includes executive leadership service with the Arthritis Foundation, University of California, San Diego Foundation and CARE, an international humanitarian organization. Debra has an extensive business background including a 22-year tenure at IBM, ultimately as the Vice President of Communications for two of its largest divisions. Debra is an alumna of Wesleyan University.

“We are excited to have Deb on our team,” said Dr. Stephen Coan, President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. “With a background in both the non-profit and education sectors, she can directly relate to Mystic Aquarium’s mission focusing on conservation and education.  We look for Deb’s guidance and her proven track record to help us accomplish our goals of our One Ocean, Once Mission strategy.”