Cary Burgess

senior vice president, operations, guest services, Zoo Atlanta

Cary S. Burgess, CPP, Senior Vice President of Operations, has been a leader at Zoo Atlanta for over 20 years. Prior to joining the zoo staff as Operations Manager in May 1988, Cary served as Director of Transportation and Parking Operations and Special Events Logistical and Operations Coordinator for Friends of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. At Zoo Atlanta, Cary oversees all aspects of the logistical planning and management of the Zoo’s Operations and Guest Services functions. In his role as Senior Vice President, Cary has led numerous initiatives improving net revenue, and the quality of guest services and the overall visitor experience. He continues to be instrumental in providing a safe, clean and friendly environment for all zoo visitors and staff. Cary serves as the Chair of the Diversity Committee, and the Immediate past Chair of the Business Operations Committee, both of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He is also a Certified Protection Professional with the American Society for Industrial Security, ASIS, and is the Immediate past Chair of the Cultural Properties Protection Organization of Georgia. Cary is also an advisor to the American Association of Museum’s (AAM) Diversity Counsel, and a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, IAAPA A lifelong supporter of wildlife with over 28 years spent in the zoo community, Cary has led zoo-sponsored photographic adventures to Kenya/Tanzania, and Antarctica. Cary is an avid sports fan who knows his way around a tennis court.