Erika Kohler

Senior Vice President and Executive Director, San Diego Zoo

Erika Kohler joined San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as director of operations in 2015, and now serves as Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the San Diego Zoo. She is responsible for the overall operation of the world-famous 100-acre Zoo, overseeing guest services, entertainment, admissions, education, security, retail operations, facilities, horticulture, and wildlife care. Through her leadership, she has overseen tremendous attendance growth, implemented new events for families and guests of all ages, and executed critical health and safety protocols for both wildlife and visitors.

Previously, Kohler spent over a decade at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago as senior director of guest experiences. Since 2011, Kohler has been an active member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), where she serves as a professional fellow and member of the Business Operations Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and certification in Disney’s Approach to Quality Service training program from Disney Institute.