Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO for the Santa Barbara Zoo
October 1, 2024 – Following a comprehensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Charles Hopper as the new president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. He will succeed Rich Block, retiring in January 2025 after 26 years of leadership. “Finding someone to succeed Rich Block was no small task,” said Jim Jackson, vice chair of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s board of directors and head of the transition committee. “Rich has left an indelible mark on the Zoo, and it was vital for us to find a leader who could build on that legacy while charting a bold path forward. Charles rose to the top of our list because of his impressive leadership background, ability to connect with communities, and passion for conservation and education. We believe he is the right person to lead the zoo into its next era.”
Mr. Block expressed his confidence in Mr. Hopper as his successor. “It’s been a true privilege to lead this incredible institution for over two decades,” he said. “I do not doubt that Charles will continue to advance the mission of the zoo, and I’m excited to see the zoo’s continued success under his leadership.”
Mr. Hopper brings extensive leadership experience in the zoological and aquarium industry, most recently at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, CA, where he was the chief operating officer. During his tenure at Birch Aquarium, he spearheaded several transformative initiatives, including deepening guest and community engagement, achieving record attendance, and driving revenue growth. Under his leadership, the aquarium recently approved a new master plan for renovation with a fully funded, $18 million first phase beginning in fall 2024. Before his time with Birch, he held multiple leadership positions with the Seattle Aquarium, and served in the United States Air Force.
Mr. Hopper’s arrival signals a continuation of the zoo’s dedication to wildlife preservation and conservation, innovative education programs, and community involvement. His vision aligns with the zoo’s core mission of promoting the conservation of the natural world through engaging and memorable guest experiences. As he prepares to take the helm in January 2025, the zoo community eagerly anticipates the new initiatives and opportunities that will come with his leadership. Mr. Hopper will make history as only the third person in the zoo’s 61-year history to serve in this leadership role and the first African American to hold this position.
“It is a profound honor to be entrusted with the leadership of the Santa Barbara Zoo,” said Mr. Hopper. “Rich Block has set an extraordinary standard, and I am deeply inspired by the zoo’s unwavering commitment to conservation, education, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. I look forward to collaborating with the talented and dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, supportive board, and community to build upon this strong foundation and guide the zoo toward an exciting future. The zoo’s collaboration with California State University Channel Islands and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation are especially impressive, and I am excited to help amplify these efforts.”
Related: Shelli Herman and Associates Fills Senior Position for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
“When we think about creating impactful change in any field, we need to consider the big picture,” said Mr. Hopper. “Conservation must be accessible to everyone because building a robust pipeline of future leaders is crucial for driving meaningful, long-term change. Representation is not just about seeing oneself in a role; it’s about showing others what’s possible. My path has been unconventional, but it’s precisely this unique journey that has prepared me for this role. I hope to inspire future leaders to see their varied experiences as powerful assets that can drive positive change in any field, including conservation.”
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Saint Louis Zoo
Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kathy Tisone as the new CFO of the Saint Louis Zoo. She will replace Cassandra J. Brown Ray who retires this month after a successful 32 years at the Zoo. Providing direction, mentorship, and support to this team, Ms. Tisone will evaluate all processes with an eye on efficiency and the broad use of technology to streamline and enhance work across the organization. Once on board, she will be expected to assess the enterprise to ensure optimal efficiency, the use of best practices, and overall operational excellence that allows the Saint Louis Zoo to surpass mission-specific objectives.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres near the ocean in Santa Barbara, CA. It was built on the site of what was known as the Child Estate. It has more than 500 animals in numerous exhibits, including capybara and California condors, and was known for having had a giraffe with a crooked neck.
Finding Senior Leaders
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
