Zoological Society Of San Diego

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Shawn Dixon, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

CEO/Executive Director Experience

For the last eight years, Shawn has overseen the day-to-day activities of the organization as Chief Operating Officer, including sales and marketing, capital planning, and business development—ensuring that San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance continues to lead in wildlife care, conservation science, and education. Shawn is dedicated to connecting conservation field work around the world with the guest experience at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. With nearly 6 million guests annually, and an expansive global reach—including over 7 million followers on social media and 400 billion media impressions in 2024—the organization invites guests to join them on their mission as allies for wildlife. He has led major expansions at both conservation parks, including Africa Rocks, Walkabout Australia, and Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. He also plays a crucial role in partnerships with local, national, and international government and tourism agencies to promote the San Diego region, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s vision of a world where all life thrives. In addition to his tenure at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Dixon has more than two decades of leadership experience creating impactful, lifelong experiences for visitors within national parks, ski resorts and across the hospitality industry, in a career of managing multi-unit restaurants, conference centers, golf courses, and luxury resorts. He started his career with Hilton Hotels and then transitioned to Vail Resorts Inc., where he lived and worked at Grand Teton National Park. Dixon was responsible for the overall operation and guest engagement as well as financial and revenue management, while driving record results in hotel, restaurant, and retail operations. Shawn is committed to the San Diego community through his volunteer work on several local boards and committees. In addition to being a member of San Diego Rotary Club 33, he is a professional fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and serves on the board of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is also the Chair of the San Diego Tourism Authority Board of Directors. Shawn holds a bachelor of science degree from California State University, Sacramento.

Staff Information

Staff Demographics

Ethnicity

Gender