Jennifer Vela named Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer of the Oceans and Wildlife Institute and Texas State Aquarium
Corpus Christi, TX – The Oceans and Wildlife Institute (OWI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Vela to Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer of OWI and the Texas State Aquarium (TSA). In this expanded role, Vela will provide executive leadership and organizational strategy across government affairs, public affairs, communications, development, marketing, and branding. She will build on this portfolio by deepening relationships with government, community, and industry partners; aligning external engagement with organizational priorities; and helping OWI and TSA scale their impact in wildlife conservation, rescue, education, and community resilience.
Vela began her career with the Aquarium in 2010 as an Event Coordinator and has held a series of leadership positions, including Sales Manager; Director of Sales; Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications; Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications; and most recently, Chief Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications Officer. In her most recent role, Vela developed and executed legislative, marketing, and communication strategies that expanded the organization’s role as a leader in conservation and wildlife rescue.
Vela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Media from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and is a member of the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Alumni Association. She is also actively involved in various community organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Visit Corpus Christi, Tuloso Midway Education Foundation, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Public Relations Committee.
“Jennifer has made an incredible impact throughout her nearly 17 years with the organization,” stated Jesse Gilbert, President & CEO of OWI and Executive Director of TSA. “As a key member of our senior leadership team, her expertise in communications and marketing strategy has expanded the reach and community impact of both OWI and TSA, strengthening our ability to connect with guests and stakeholders, engage our communities, and develop future science advocates.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities, mentors, colleagues, and community partners who have shaped my journey over the past 17 years,” said Vela. “This is an exciting time of growth and opportunity for our organization, and I am honored to help lead it into this next chapter by strengthening community engagement, expanding strategic partnerships, and advancing initiatives that connect people with wildlife, support conservation, and build more resilient communities.”
Vela’s promotion reflects OWI and TSA’s continued investment in experienced leadership to guide the organizations through their next phase of growth while building on the momentum, relationships, and community trust established during her nearly 17 years of service.
About Oceans and Wildlife Institute
The Oceans and Wildlife Institute (OWI) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation established to Advance Wildlife Resiliency throughout the United States and globally. OWI leads initiatives in workforce development, wildlife disaster response and training, wildlife rescues, applied translational wildlife research, policy advancement, and economic development. Learn more at owi.org.
About Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA), the Official Aquarium of the State of Texas, is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 institution and a company of the Oceans and Wildlife Institute. Its mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. It is the largest Aquarium in Texas, caring for over 4,000 animals and named the #5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org.
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Oceans and Wildlife Institute Contact:
Jesse Gilbert
President & CEO
361.881.1214
