Shelli Herman and Associates Fills Senior Position for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
June 25, 2024 – Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has helped to recruit Megan Longo as the new senior vice president of guest experience, brand, and revenue of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. With a national search led by Shelli Herman and Associates, Ms. Longo emerged as the top choice, bringing expertise in customer-centric leadership, communications and strategic operations. “We are excited to have Megan as the architect behind a brand that our community equates with how we deliver on our mission of inspiring, educating and engaging people to have a better appreciation of animals and their habitats,” said Luis Padilla, president and CEO. “Join us in welcoming Megan as we embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and opportunity.”
In her new position, Ms. Longo will lead the charge in developing mission-aligned strategies aimed at fostering brand loyalty through exceptional guest experiences. “I look forward to illuminating our Zoo’s outstanding position among top zoos and aquariums worldwide, and advancing the experience and value we bring to our guests,” Ms. Longo said. “The opportunity to merge mission-driven business strategy with high quality guest outcomes creates a harmonious framework to uplift our organization’s incredible legacy for generations to come. It will be an honor to lead this work with Dr. Padilla and his team.”
Ms. Longo has significantly contributed to marketing, brand, corporate communications and organizational effectiveness at her previous organizations. Her previous roles saw her driving growth and customer loyalty through innovation, emphasizing mindful engagement and memorable experiences at every touchpoint. Ms. Longo most recently served as chief of staff at Buildertrend. As member of the executive leadership team, she shepherded three critical business rhythms to drive leadership alignment and organizational effectiveness: business planning, reporting and communication. Before that, Ms. Longo served as director of marketing at Flagship Restaurant Group.
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits New Leader for Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top five zoos, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an independent not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As a leader in conservation, the Center for Conservation and Research focuses on areas to benefit animal husbandry and species conservation. Focus areas include conservation genetics, conservation medicine, rare plant conservation, reproductive sciences and comparative nutrition.
Serving Trailblazing Clients
Shelli Herman and Associates Inc. serves trailblazing clients across the corporate, non-profit, and higher education sectors. The firm’s long roster of clients includes the Annenberg Foundation; the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation; BENlabs; The Capital Group Companies/American Funds Distributors; City Year, Los Angeles; the Fresno Chaffee Zoo; the Griffith Observatory Foundation; Jewish Family Service LA; Laguna College of Art and Design; Loyola Marymount University; Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; P.S. ARTS; the Saint Louis Zoo; Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County; the University of California System; the Whitney Museum of American Art; and YWCA Greater Los Angeles.
Just Released: 2024 Corporate Culture Report
As leaders recognize the critical role of culture in organizational success, building sustainable cultural change for engagement, performance, and growth is now essential. Emphasizing psychological safety allows employees to express ideas, take risks, and voice concerns, driving innovation and engagement.
Hunt Scanlon Media’s 2024 Corporate Culture Report shows how a strong, cohesive culture transforms organizations. By prioritizing cultural synergies and shared values, companies can attract and retain top talent while fostering innovation. Download now!
Shelli Herman, who has more than 25 years of executive recruitment experience, has a strong record of leading searches and building upper management teams for a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies. She has completed senior-level assignments in many industries, including consumer products, healthcare, high technology, and finance, as well as for nonprofit, conservation, and cultural organizations. Additionally, she brings an in-depth understanding of the unique cultural environment of academia that was gained while she held significant management positions at the University of Florida and Loyola Marymount University.
Recent Search
Earlier this year, Shelli Herman and Associates assisted in the recruitment of Sabarras George as director for the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, a $230 million, 425-acre zoo expansion project that is scheduled to open to the public in 2027. He succeeded Jo-Elle Mogerman, who assumed the role of president and CEO of Philadelphia Zoo in October. “I believe that our staff, supporters and the community will really like Sabarras,” said Dwight Scott and Dana Brown, president and CEO, Saint Louis Zoo. “I’m confident that he will help grow our conservation efforts and successfully lead the development of WildCare Park that will open in 2027 with amazing guest experiences.”
Mr. George has over 25 years of executive leadership and operations experience. For nearly six years, he has worked at the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). He most recently served as the vice president of operations and facilities and chief operating officer. Prior to that role, Mr. George was the deputy chief operating officer.
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
