Annie Fitzgerald

Chief Operating Officer

Annie Fitzgerald is an executive leader with over 20 years of experience building high-performing teams, leading organizational transformation, and driving operational excellence across complex organizations. As San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Chief Operating Officer, she holds a record of transformational leadership and deep roots in the San Diego community.

Most recently, she served as Vice President, Operations for Grand America Hotels & Resorts and General Manager at The Westgate Hotel and AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, a distinguished luxury property in the heart of downtown San Diego. She reported directly to the company board and led strategic planning, capital investment, people and technology transformation, and cross-functional collaboration across a multi-property portfolio.

Earlier in her career, Annie served as Director of Guest Experience at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, leading large-scale, luxury operations. In that role, she sourced and implemented technology that generated meaningful revenue and created operational efficiencies. She also shaped guest experience strategy, developed leaders, and led processes for one of the premier independent luxury hospitality organizations in the nation. 

As a recognized civic leader in San Diego, Annie currently serves as Board Chair of the San Diego Tourism Authority and on the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Lodging Association, and the Downtown San Diego Partnership. She is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of San Diego. Annie was named a finalist for Businesswoman of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal in 2025, and The Westgate Hotel earned the San Diego County Lodging Association Gold Key Award for sustainability leadership under her tenure in 2024.

Annie is a graduate of the Women's Executive Leadership Program through The Impact Center and holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology, cum laude, from Utah State University. Annie and her family are proud to call San Diego home.