Soo Dean

In her time at the Aquarium, Soo has helped grow the annual giving and donor relations program to what it is today—raising over $17 million or more annually to support the Aquarium’s education, conservation, and animal care programs. In partnership with the Development division’s leadership team, Soo also helps to grow the major gifts (gifts of $100,000 or more) and legacy giving programs to ensure ongoing support for the Aquarium’s programs. She has worked closely with donors and now leads efforts to increase member and donor engagement and fundraising. Working with the Chief Development Officer, Soo leads the division’s operations, including annual planning, setting revenue goals, developing strategies, and expense budgets

Soo was born and raised in South Korea and moved to the U.S. as an adult after graduating college with a B.A. in English. Soo joined the Aquarium over 20 years ago as a guest services representative and has held several positions within the organization. In the community, Soo has also served as a board member and development committee chair for a local charter school for several years.