David Burns is the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, planning, organizing, and directing finances and operations for Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Skilled in finance and accounting and reporting and analysis, he has ensured the Zoo is set up for long-term financial sustainability since he started in 2017.

With over 25 years of finance and accounting experience for both the private and public sectors, he participated in the Zoo’s Master Planning effort, aligning physical asset infrastructure and strategic business direction. He is an active contributor to the Finance & Investment, Site & Facilities, and Strategic Business Model committees at the Zoo.  Previously, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Chicago Housing Authority, where he was responsible for a team of 45 employees and a $1 billion operating budget. 

David is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Monmouth College.