The Executives' Exchange Episode 047 – 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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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated. For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.