Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc.

06/05/2026

🦁💰 Vice President of Revenue Strategy | Saint Louis Zoo 💰🦁

Help build the financial future of one of the world's most celebrated and treasured conservation institutions—at a defining moment in its history.

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a proven, strategic Vice President of Revenue Strategy (VPRS) to develop and implement plans that drive financial performance, elevate operational excellence, and advance the Zoo's mission across both campuses.

About the Saint Louis Zoo
As the world's first municipally supported zoo and one of the few that still offers free public admission, the Saint Louis Zoo welcomes nearly three million guests each year. Recognized as one of the 25 best zoos in the world by Travel + Leisure and consistently ranked among the top 10 by USA Today, the Zoo is now translating that reputation and institutional strength into transformative growth. With Destination Discovery opening this year and the highly anticipated WildCare Park—a 425-acre second campus in north St. Louis County—set to open in 2027, the Zoo is entering an extraordinary new chapter backed by more than $320 million in investment. The organization's annual budget is $114 million.

The Opportunity
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity at a defining moment in the Saint Louis Zoo's history. As one of four vice president-level leaders, the VPRS will oversee approximately $50 million in projected earned revenue across retail, food and beverage, attractions, and distribution. With WildCare Park opening next year, this leader has a rare opportunity to build the revenue infrastructure for an entirely new campus from the ground up—while setting a long-range vision for the organization's combined earned revenue portfolio and building the strategies and systems to get there.

This role is well-suited for a leader with:
✅ A strong record of leading complex, multi-unit revenue operations with P&L accountability across food and beverage, retail, attractions, and distribution
✅ Financial acumen and expertise in budgeting, forecasting, performance reporting, and profit enhancement
✅ A clear understanding of how operational decisions affect the guest journey and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences
✅ A high level of emotional intelligence and a hands-on, low-ego leadership style
✅ Tested change management expertise gained in a complex organization experiencing planned growth

If you are ready to bring a strategic orientation to driving revenue and a deep appreciation for the Zoo's conservation mission to one of the most exciting opportunities in the country, we want to hear from you.

📍 Location: St. Louis, MO (on-site)
💰 Salary: $225,000–$250,000 + comprehensive benefits and pension
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.shellihermansearch.com/searches/saint-louis-zoo

06/03/2026

Dominic Alpuche joined Options for Learning as Chief Financial Officer in 2020 and has since taken on an expanded role as CFO and Chief Operating Officer. Under his stewardship, the organization's budget has grown from $107 million to over $161 million, directly expanding its capacity to serve children and families across greater Los Angeles.

Dominic's contributions extend beyond the balance sheet. He led the acquisition and full redesign of the organization's new home office, creating a stronger operational foundation for more than 900 staff. We're proud to continue cheering on talent like Dominic, whose steady, values-driven leadership strengthens one of California's most impactful early learning nonprofits. Thank you to Paul Pulver for your trust in bringing Dominic to your great organization.

06/01/2026

🐋🌊 President and Chief Executive Officer | Mystic Aquarium 🌊🐋
Help shape the future of one of the nation's most recognized marine conservation institutions at a pivotal moment in its history. Mystic Aquarium is seeking a visionary, mission-driven President and Chief Executive Officer to set the strategic direction, strengthen long-term sustainability, and position the Aquarium as a prominent voice in the national dialogue on ocean conservation and marine science.

About Mystic Aquarium
Founded in 1973, Mystic Aquarium has grown from a coastal destination along Connecticut's shoreline into a nationally recognized force in marine science, animal care, and immersive public engagement. Voted among the top five aquariums in the nation by USA Today readers and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Aquarium is home to 325 animal species and welcomes nearly 800,000 visitors each year. With a stable foundation and an exciting new phase of growth ahead, Mystic Aquarium is ready for its next chapter.

The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to steward a distinctive institution with deep community roots and a mission that has never mattered more. The incoming CEO will diversify revenue sources, build organizational capacity, and advance Mystic Aquarium's standing in marine conservation — while earning the trust of the communities, donors, scientists, and civic partners the Aquarium depends on.

This role is well-suited for a candidate with:
✅ A committed, informed passion for the natural world and the Aquarium's conservation mission
✅ At least 12 years of senior management experience in a mission-driven organization, with CEO or executive director experience desirable, or private-sector roles in organizations known for excellence in mission delivery and audience engagement
✅ Proven fundraising achievement and a refined instinct for connecting donors with compelling narratives
✅ Financial acumen and the discipline to guide the organization toward a more diversified and sustainable revenue model
✅ Proven change management experience and the emotional intelligence to build trust across a talented team

If you are ready to bring vision, gravitas, and genuine passion for ocean conservation to one of the country's most respected aquariums, we want to hear from you.

📍 Location: Mystic, CT (on-site; relocation expected)
💰 Salary: $450,000–$480,000 + performance bonus + comprehensive benefits
🔗 Learn more and apply: shellihermansearch.com/searches/mystic-aquarium

05/22/2026

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day weekend and a bright start to summer 💙

05/20/2026

Isala Gray, SHA's Director of Social Media and Content, recently visited the Santa Barbara Zoo and came away with an even greater appreciation for the culture the team is building. From animal care and conservation to education and the guest experience, intentionality is visible at every turn…and so is the warmth of the people doing it.

Thank you to Charles Hopper, Natalie Howard, and the entire Santa Barbara Zoo team! You offer impactful experiences that last beyond the Zoo’s borders.

05/15/2026

Mat Sinclair leads Kiewit Luminarium with a clear conviction: learning has the power to bridge divides and bring people together. In a field navigating real and growing pressures, that kind of grounded optimism, backed by genuine connection to the work at every level, is exactly what this moment calls for.

One of our placements, Mat anchors part of a broader discussion we had with Christofer Nelson of the Association of Science and Technology Centers and Linda Tsai of the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose on the challenges and opportunities reshaping the field. Read Courageous Change: What This Moment Demands of Cultural Institutions and Their Leaders at https://www.shellihermansearch.com/post/courageous-change-what-this-moment-demands-of-cultural-institutions-and-their-leaders.

05/13/2026

Children's museums exist to inspire curiosity, spark learning, and create moments that stay with families long after they leave. Sustaining that mission in today's environment takes more than passion; it requires a willingness to ask hard questions and build new answers from the ground up.

Our recent placement, Linda Tsai, President and CEO of Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, is doing exactly that. Her perspective on what this work truly demands is one every leader in this sector should hear, as is the thinking of Christofer Nelson of Association of Science and Technology Centers and Mat Sinclair of Kiewit Luminarium .

Read Courageous Change: What This Moment Demands of Cultural Institutions and Their Leaders at https://www.shellihermansearch.com/post/courageous-change-what-this-moment-demands-of-cultural-institutions-and-their-leaders.

05/12/2026

We are proud to share that Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc. has been recognized on Forbes' list of America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms— and for the first time, breaking that coveted Top 100!

We are grateful to the clients and organizations who trust us to do this work, and to the talented leaders we have the privilege of placing. This recognition belongs to all of you.

See the full list here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shefalikapadia/2026/05/05/meet-americas-best-recruiting--temp-staffing-firms-2026/

Forbes' annual rankings of the top recruiting firms in the country can guide both employers and job seekers looking for a match.