Andrea Rodgers

Senior Vice President of Guest Experience & Operations

Andrea Rodgers is a visionary leader dedicated to driving revenue growth and enhancing the reputation of Brookfield Zoo Chicago as a premier destination. As Senior Vice President of Guest Experience and Operations, she oversees a comprehensive team that includes Guest Services, Marketing, Design, PR & Communications, Membership, and strategic partnerships with the SSA Group for food, beverage, retail, and catering operations. Andrea is responsible for developing and executing organizational strategies that increase attendance, elevate experiences, and expand brand reach, while also reinforcing the Zoo’s reputation for excellence in animal care, education, wildlife conservation, and scientific research. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Andrea plays an essential role in guiding the Zoo’s strategic vision and long-term master planning, positioning the Zoo for sustainable growth and enduring impact. 

Andrea’s career is distinguished by her strategic insight, passion for mission-driven work, and ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the cultural and conservation sectors. She brings rich experience from her prior role as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Marketing at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where she spent over 12 years as part of the senior leadership team. There, she directed marketing, digital strategy, public relations, and government affairs, contributing to the design and execution of the Shedd’s 2030 Centennial Commitment strategic and master plans. Before her tenure at the Shedd, Andrea held pivotal roles in business development, marketing, and philanthropic engagement for a prominent multi-state law firm and served as an associate director of public relations in a full-service marketing and communications agency. Her work there included organizing complex, award-winning campaigns across diverse industries such as consumer products, tourism, healthcare, and economic development. 

  

Andrea’s influence extends beyond Brookfield Zoo Chicago, with prominent national and regional engagements. She serves as an elected member on the Ethics Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and she is a board member of regional tourism and economic bodies Visit Oak Park and Choose DuPage. Her past leadership roles include Chair and Advisor to the AZA Public Relations Committee, as well as service on the Executive Committee of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP). She was selected for AZA’s prestigious Executive Leadership Development Program in 2019, supporting her commitment to advancing leadership in the zoo and aquarium community. Her achievements have been celebrated through honors from the AZA, the American Alliance of Museums, Publicity Club of Chicago, Legal Marketing Association and the Public Relations Society of America of which she holds the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential. She is also a proud member of Chief, a network dedicated to empowering women executives. A respected voice in her field, Andrea frequently presents at national conferences, sharing her expertise with a wide range of audiences. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and public relations from Arkansas State University.