Cheyenne Mountain Zoo competitors

Nik Dehejia is responsible for the smooth running of almost every aspect of the Zoo. From raising money and managing it to marketing and education, to safety and rides, Nik’s long, varied experience at the zoo grounds his approaches to leadership and problem solving in the realities of running such an ambitious and diverse organization. This grounding has resulted in the successful completion of a number of high priority Zoo projects, such as the California Trail, a three-stage, multi-million dollar project that includes anew Veterinary Hospital (opened in 2012), a Biodiversity Center (opened in 2013), and the Gondola and California Trail (opened in 2017/2018). Prior to Oakland Zoo, Nik worked in both the public and non-profit sectors. At the World Resources Institute and World Bank he worked in international public policy, focused on corporate responsibility at Business for Social Responsibility, and worked in a more traditionally commercial role at Levi Strauss & Co. Nik holds an MBA from U.C. Berkeley and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College. A 23-year resident in the Bay Area and a father of two, Nik lives in Alameda.

Mission-focused executive-level leadership at major New England cultural institution, including 14 years as CEO. Built and led STEM-learning educational foundation, in collaboration with National Geographic. Strategist and brand builder with expertise in forming public-private partnerships, community relations, organizational development, fundraising, and financial management. Experience managing $25M budget and 900 FTE/volunteer staff. Fundraiser with experience building national, state, and local support, engaging volunteers and stakeholders. Business development expert. Skilled in strategy, program creation, partnership building, community/government relations, and talent development. Successes • Enhanced Mystic Aquarium brand to boost attendance to 800K in 5 years, raised $150M in funding, restructured long-term debt, expanded facilities and exhibits, and slashed deferred maintenance by 75%. • Built JASON Learning through national museum partnerships, award-winning curriculum, and collaboration with ExxonMobil, Sun Microsystems, National Geographic, NOAA, NASA, and other federal agencies. • Led creation and ongoing funding of New England Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Sanctuary, serving as initiative advisor to Obama and Trump administrations. • Built renowned marine science research program and established partnership between Mystic Aquarium and University of Connecticut for funding, laboratories, and educational programming. • Established socially critical, solidly funded after-school STEM program to help \'latchkey children\' in partnership with US DOE and state government leaders and school districts in RI, LA, TX, MI, and CT. Brand Building | Organizational Development | Mission Expansion | Strategic Planning | Program Development | Strategic Partnerships & Alliances | Fundraising | Financial Management | Startups | Turnarounds | International Programs | Board Relations | Volunteer Management | Talent Development | Facilities Expansion | Public Policy

Kevin Bell is a Chief Executive Officer at Lincoln Park Zoo.