Dr. Michael J. "Dr. Mike" Adkesson is an internationally respected wildlife veterinarian, conservation leader, and nonprofit executive who serves as President & CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. A passionate advocate for the role of modern zoos and aquariums in advancing wildlife conservation, scientific discovery, and public engagement, he is leading one of the world's premier zoological institutions through a transformational era of growth and innovation.
As President & CEO, Dr. Mike is guiding the execution of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's ambitious Next Century Plan as the organization prepares for its centennial in 2034. Under his leadership, the Zoo is making significant investments in world-class animal habitats, guest experiences, conservation science, and organizational excellence while continuing to set the standard for animal welfare and veterinary medicine. Welcoming approximately two million guests annually, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a major cultural and economic driver for the Chicago region, supporting thousands of jobs and generating more than $150 million in annual economic impact while advancing conservation initiatives across the globe.
Beyond the Zoo, Dr. Mike is an active civic and conservation leader whose service on national professional organizations, nonprofit boards, academic institutions, and regional leadership initiatives reflects his commitment to advancing both the zoo and aquarium profession and the broader community. He believes that conservation organizations have an important responsibility not only to protect wildlife but also to inspire future generations of environmental stewards through meaningful education, community engagement, and collaboration.
A dual board-certified specialist in zoological medicine through both the American College of Zoological Medicine and the European College of Zoological Medicine, Dr. Mike is among a select group of veterinarians worldwide to hold this distinction. Prior to becoming President & CEO, he served as Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Vice President of Clinical Medicine, transforming the Zoo's veterinary program into one of the most respected in the profession. Under his leadership, the department pioneered advances in diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, conservation medicine, and specialized veterinary care while developing one of the world's premier veterinary education and training programs.
Dr. Mike has served as President of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and is a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). He currently serves on the Boards of Directors for Species360 and the Forest Preserves Foundation, contributing to international wildlife data management, conservation collaboration, and regional environmental stewardship. He also serves on numerous professional, conservation, academic, and civic advisory groups, helping shape the future of wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, and nonprofit leadership. In recognition of his contributions to the Chicago region, he was selected as a 2025 Daniel Burnham Fellow through Leadership Greater Chicago, one of the region's premier executive leadership programs that brings together senior leaders from business, government, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector to address the community's most pressing opportunities and challenges.
An accomplished researcher, educator, and thought leader, Dr. Mike serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and has mentored countless veterinary and graduate students throughout his career. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications and conference proceedings and is a frequent speaker on wildlife conservation, zoological medicine, organizational leadership, and the evolving role of modern zoos and aquariums.
For more than 15 years, Dr. Mike has also led wildlife conservation programs along the coast of Peru focused on endangered Humboldt penguins, Peruvian fur seals, South American sea lions, and other marine species. His work integrates scientific research, local capacity building, and community education to create lasting conservation outcomes. As an associate researcher with Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru, he has mentored numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in wildlife conservation and veterinary medicine.
Dr. Mike earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, with honors, from the University of Illinois before completing advanced internship and residency training in zoological medicine at the University of Missouri and Saint Louis Zoo. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, bringing together deep scientific expertise with executive leadership and business acumen. He and his wife, Adriane, also a veterinarian, have three children and share a lifelong passion for wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.
