President & Chief Executive Officer

We are pleased to announce that Lisa Peterson has been named Houston Zoo’s President and Chief Executive Officer, beginning June 2, 2025.

Since 2017, Lisa Peterson has led the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as senior vice president and executive director—the first woman in that role in its 52-year history. There, she has driven conservation efforts like the Walkabout Australia habitat and overseen the development of the park’s largest-ever project, Elephant Valley, for elephant conservation. 

Peterson serves as a board member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), contributing to both the Animal Population Management and Finance Committees, where her inclusive leadership and mentorship of future conservation leaders stand out alongside her commitment to community building at home and abroad. Peterson brings more than 27 years of executive experience and previously held leadership roles at Apple and as regional vice president at White Lodging, where she built a reputation for exceptional teamwork and guest experiences.

The Houston Zoo welcomes over two million visitors annually and leads conservation initiatives like restoring the Houston toad population and protecting gorillas in Rwanda. With Peterson at the helm, it aims to expand its impact in Houston and around the world.

Read the full announcement here. 

Natalie Leonhard led this search with Alexandra Lolavar and Kendra Moleé.