Santa Barbara Zoo appoints new CEO
The Santa Barbara Zoo officially named the person leading a new era for the organization Sept. 27 as Charles Hopper will be taking over as the next president and CEO.
Hopper will succeed Rich Block, who decided he will retire in January 2025 after 26 years as the chief executive.
Hopper is only the third person in the Santa Barbara Zoo’s 61-year history to serve in this leadership role and the first African American to hold this position.
“It is a profound honor to be entrusted with the leadership of the Santa Barbara Zoo,” Hopper said in a press release.
“Rich Block has set an extraordinary standard, and I am deeply inspired by the Zoo’s unwavering commitment to conservation, education, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. I look forward to collaborating with the talented and dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, supportive Board, and community to build upon this strong foundation and guide the Zoo toward an exciting future.”
Hopper brings leadership experience from the zoological and aquarium industry, most recently at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where he was the Chief Operating Officer.
During his tenure at Birch, Hopper spearheaded several transformative initiatives, including deepening guest and community engagement.
“Finding someone to succeed Rich Block was no small task,” Vice Chair of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Board of Directors and head of the Transition Committee Jim Jackson said in a press release.
“Rich has left an indelible mark on the Zoo, and it was vital for us to find a leader who could build on that legacy while charting a bold path forward. Charles rose to the top of our list because of his impressive leadership background, ability to connect with communities, and passion for conservation and education. We believe he is the right person to lead the Zoo into its next era.”
Outgoing president and CEO Block expressed his confidence in Hopper as his successor.
“It’s been a true privilege to lead this incredible institution for over two decades,” Block said.
“I do not doubt that Charles will continue to advance the mission of the Zoo, and I’m excited to see the Zoo’s continued success under his leadership.”
During Block’s leadership, the Santa Barbara Zoo enjoyed remarkable achievements, including becoming the first zoo on the West Coast to be designated a Certified Autism Center, creating a preschool program during the Covid pandemic which became California’s very first licensed outdoor preschool, opening the namesake Richard Block Conservation Hub, and spearheading a groundbreaking conservation partnership with California State University Channel Islands, the first of its kind in the country, according to a press release.
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