San Francisco Zoo competitors

As President and CEO, I lead the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and the Wilds conservation center with a focus on inspiring people to make a difference for wildlife and wild places. Annually more than 2.8 million people visit the Columbus Zoo and its other entities making it one of the most successful zoological institutions in the country and a significant economic engine in central Ohio. I have more than 30 years experience gained by first working as zookeeper and then advancing through every aspect of zoo management - from animal care to exhibit design to financial management to strategic visioning. I became the youngest zoo director in the country when tapped to manage Niabi Zoo in Illinois in 1995 and guided that zoo to gain national accreditation for the first time. I strive to use storytelling and my love of education to help inspire people to join the Zoo’s mission to protecting animals globally and locally. I have traveled with Jack Hanna for education programs, zoo promotions and national television appearances for more than 20 years, and do regular speaking engagements and television appearances, as well as speaking on behalf of state and federal legislation that affects wildlife. I place a high priority on animal welfare and conservation, and have had the opportunity to travel to several countries where the Zoo supports programs that help people help protect wildlife including a program helping save mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Africa. Globally, the Zoo has more than 100 conservation projects in 46 countries that are supported by $4 million raised through public donations and fundraisers each year.

Experienced zoological industry executive leader and advocate for the crucial role zoos play in science education, in regional, national and international wildlife species survival and in serving as a community resource.

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.