Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO, Navy Pier

Episode 047 – Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO, Navy Pier

On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, get ready as we delve into the remarkable journey of Marilynn Gardner, the esteemed President and CEO of Navy Pier. Join us as Marilynn opens up and shares her lifelong commitment to fostering connections and celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry of Chicago. Discover the legacy of Navy Pier and the incredible impact it has had on the city. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

00:00 – Intro
00:48 – Exploring Marilynn’s neighborhood
02:35 – Marilynn’s early years
04:28 – Favorite childhood memories in Chicago
07:01 – Parents as role models
09:18 – Early career at Navy Pier
11:08 – Initiation of architectural developments
13:12 – Cultural history and purposes of Navy Pier
19:19 – Transformation of Navy Pier into a modern cultural hub
22:43 – Evolution into an independent nonprofit
24:13 – Message from our sponsor, Shure
24:43 – Financial challenges and adaptations during the pandemic
28:00 – Reopening of establishments
29:43 – Chicago Live! as a platform for local performing arts organizations
32:03 – Commercial projections for summer
33:36 – Role of former shipping warehouses
35:02 – Impact of NASCAR
35:57 – Security measures in Navy Pier
38:18 – What is EXPO Chicago?
40:00 – Current projects and events
44:43 – Navy Pier as an integrator of Chicago neighborhoods
48:08 – Coordination with citywide events
50:30 – Future Navy Pier initiatives
52:38 – Rapid fire questions
55:11 – Outro

Episode Link: Navy Pier

Host: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President, The Executives’ Club of Chicago
Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago 

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