Executive Team

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s management team — together with the Board of Trustees — is responsible for guiding the institution toward its strategic goals. Our leaders are deeply committed to our mission of inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people and communities with wildlife and nature. Through this commitment, they are driving meaningful impact across the region, the nation, and the world.

Executive Leadership

  • Headshot of Brookfield Zoo Chicago President & CEO, Dr. Michael Adkesson

    Dr. Michael J. Adkesson

    President & CEO

  • Headshot of Brookfield Zoo Chicago Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, David Burns

    David Burns

    Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

  • Kate Brueggmann, Senior Vice President, Development, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Kate Brueggemann

    Senior Vice President, Development

  • Jennifer Baader, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Jennifer Baader

    Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

  • Headshot of Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai, Senior Vice President, Animal Health, Welfare & Science, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai

    Senior Vice President, Animal Health, Welfare & Science

  • Headshot of Andrea Rodgers, Senior Vice President, Guest Experience & Operations, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Andrea Rodgers

    Senior Vice President, Guest Experience & Operations

  • Headshot of Dr. Rita Stacey Vondra, Senior Vice President, Programs & Impact, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Dr. Rita Stacey Vondra

    Senior Vice President, Programs & Impact

  • Headshot of Tim Snyder, Vice President, Zoological Programs & Operations, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Tim Snyder

    Vice President, Zoological Programs & Operations

  • Headshot of Nichole Gladney, Senior Vice President, People & Culture, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Nichole Gladney

    Senior Vice President, People & Culture

  • Headshot of Gladys Lopez, Senior Director, President’s Office & Board Relations, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Gladys Lopez

    Senior Director, President’s Office & Board Relations