Lisa Peterson

About Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson is the president and CEO of the Houston Zoo, which welcomes over two million visitors annually and leads conservation initiatives like restoring the Houston toad population and protecting gorillas in Rwanda. With Peterson at the helm, the Zoo aims to expand its impact in Houston and around the world. Peterson brings more than 27 years of executive experience, primarily in hospitality. Previously, she led the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as senior vice president and executive director—the first woman in that role in its 52-year history. There, she drove conservation efforts like the Walkabout Australia habitat and oversaw development of the park’s largest-ever project, Elephant Valley, for elephant conservation. She serves as a board member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, contributing to both the Animal Population Management and Finance Committees, where her inclusive leadership and mentorship of future conservation leaders stand out alongside her commitment to community building at home and abroad. Peterson previously held leadership roles at Apple and as regional vice president at White Lodging, where she built a reputation for exceptional teamwork and guest experiences.

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Houston Zoo

   Jun 2025 — Present · Houston, TX, US

Skills

• Sales
• Hotels
• Hotel Management
• Rooms Division
• Pre-Opening
• Hospitality
• Restaurants
• Resorts
• Yield Management
• Hospitality Industry
• Revenue Analysis
• Front Office
• Hospitality Management
• Customer Satisfaction