Chief Executive Officer

The Houston Zoo, a renowned institution ranked among the top zoos in the country and a leader in wildlife conservation efforts, seeks a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) upon the retirement of Lee Ehmke. This is a rare opportunity to lead to a highly respected and world leader in zoo-based conservation that is making a large impact in conservation and conservation education in Houston and globally. Winning a record five awards across exhibit design, earned media, sustainability efforts, education programs, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, as well as earning a rare perfect inspection in the 2024 reaccreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and a strong balance sheet, the Zoo has demonstrated excellence throughout all of the aspects of the organization. With its high-quality animal husbandry and welfare and exhibits, as well as its worldwide conservation efforts and impact, the Houston Zoo strives to be a Zoo for all and welcomes more than two million visitors annually.

For decades, the Zoo has been committed to the highest standard of animal care and wildlife conservation. Last year, the Zoo reached a historic milestone with the conclusion of the “Keeping Our World Wild” centennial fundraising campaign efforts exceeding the targeted goal of $150 million; proceeds have been used or are earmarked to build state of the art, award-winning animal exhibits, provide the highest level of animal care, and promote conservation and education efforts.  

As the largest conservation education organization in the state of Texas, this is a pivotal time for the Houston Zoo and an exciting opportunity for the next CEO. With an important platform to influence the zoological field and enhance public understanding and support of zoo-based conservation organizations, the CEO will set and affirm strategic direction and will serve as the principal spokesperson for the Zoo. The CEO reports to a highly engaged 37-member Board of Directors and leads a nine-member executive staff, which oversees a diverse team of over 400 full-time and part-time staff, supported by over 600 volunteers.

The new CEO must be an experienced and strategic leader who is passionate about the Zoo’s mission of connecting communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife, and its multifaceted education, conservation, and recreational programs. The Zoo operates in a public/private partnership with its CEO serving as a civic and cultural leader in Houston, one of America’s largest and fastest-growing cities; as an important colleague in the nation’s professional zoological community; and as a champion for the cause of wildlife conservation worldwide.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications, should be directed in confidence electronically below. 

Natalie Leonhard is leading this search with Alexandra Lolavar and Kendra Moleé.

The Houston Zoo is a Zoo for All. Being a destination of choice for our community and visitors of all backgrounds while being a workplace of choice means having a people culture that naturally integrates the tenets of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.

Joining our Houston Zoo family means promoting a culture of mutual care and respect and striving to make the most meaningful and positive impact.

Our mission of connecting communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife is ingrained in who we are — it’s how we care, grow, and succeed together as one team to become a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.