Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Chief Experience Officer for the Saint Louis Zoo
March 26, 2026 – Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Kirby Meyer as chief experience officer (CXO) at the Saint Louis Zoo. This is a brand-new executive leadership on the Zoo’s executive team focused on shaping a unified, strategic approach to all external engagement functions. In this role, Ms. Meyer will oversee the Zoo’s creative services, events, guest experience, marketing, membership, public relations, sales, data and audience research to elevate how local, national and global audiences experience the Zoo and understand conservation.
Ms. Meyer has more than 17 years’ experience in marketing, digital communications and growth initiatives for public- and private-sector organizations. She most recently served as director of marketing for the Zoo, where she spent the past four years leading the institution’s advertising, events and membership strategies as well as paid storytelling and engagement efforts.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to deliver a seamless, mission-rich experience for every person who interacts with us,” said Ms. Meyer. “With curiosity, enthusiasm and passion, I look forward to advancing our mission and strengthening the Zoo experience for all.”
Ms. Meyer is a graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia and started her career working as a freelance graphic designer before joining Panera Bread, where she advanced from print production and social media roles to brand marketing and growth initiatives. In 2020, she was named Panera’s director of loyalty, overseeing the company’s customer loyalty program as well as digital communications. Ms. Meyer joined the Saint Louis Zoo in 2021 as director of marketing.
Founded in 1910, the Saint Louis Zoo is home to over 16,000 animals, representing 500 species. It is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo is the most-visited attraction in the region. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences.
Past Search
In 2024, Shelli Herman and Associates recruited Kathy Tisone as the new CFO of the Saint Louis Zoo. She replaced Cassandra J. Brown Ray who retired after a successful 32 years at the Zoo. Previously, Ms. Tisone spent more than 24 years at St. Louis Arc.
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits New Leader for Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park
Shelli Herman and Associates has 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.
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.
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 non-profit, 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.
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Dallas Zoo
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
