Andrea Rodgers oversees the Guest Experience and Operations division, leading the dynamic teams of Guest Services, Marketing and Communications, Membership, and partnership with the SSA Group for contracted food, beverage, retail, and catering operations. Responsible for advancing organizational and operating strategies that drive attendance, promote excellence in guest experience, expand brand exposure and reputation, and create audience and revenue growth, she champions the advancement of Brookfield Zoo Chicago as a premier destination while also emphasizing its esteemed position as a leader in animal care, education, wildlife conservation, and science. A member of the Executive Leadership team, Andrea provides insight and direction to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s strategic planning and long-term Master Planning efforts.
 
A proven leader, Andrea came to us from the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where she served as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Marketing. There, Andrea dedicated more than 12 years to cultivating a more resilient global ecosystem for people, aquatic animals, and nature, through her leadership of marketing, digital, public relations and government affairs programs, in addition to her work as a lead contributor to development and launch of the aquarium’s $500 million 2030 Centennial Commitment strategic plan. Prior to her time at the Shedd, Andrea spearheaded business development, marketing, and philanthropic community engagement programs for a preeminent law firm with a multi-state presence. She also served as an associate director of public relations for a full-service marketing and communications agency, where she shaped intricate, award-winning campaigns across diverse sectors including consumer products, tourism, healthcare, and economic development.
 
Andrea’s influence extends nationally through her elected member service on the Ethics Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and locally as a board member for Choose DuPage. Her leadership journey encompasses past roles as Chair and Advisor to the AZA Public Relations Committee and as a 2019 selected participant of AZA’s Executive Leadership Development Program, as well as service on the Executive Committee of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. Her accomplishments have been recognized with awards from the AZA, the American Alliance of Museums, and Public Relations Society of America. Andrea is a frequent presenter at national conferences, sharing her insights with diverse organizations. She also serves as an active member of Chief, an exclusive network connecting and empowering women executive leaders.