Cocktails & Conversation with Randy Wisthoff, CEO of The KC Zoo
Join us for Cocktails & Conversation at P.S. Speakeasy!
Hear from notable Kansas City business men and women telling the story of their path to success, over fresh cocktails, off the cuff, under ground and under the radar.
Your ticket includes one complimentary drink.
On April 10, 2019, P.S. welcomes Randy Wisthoff, Executive Director/CEO of the Kansas City Zoo.
In September 2003, the Kansas City Zoo hired Randy Wisthoff as Executive Director / CEO after an extensive, nationwide search. Previously, Randy had served at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha for 26 years. He worked as an animal keeper, caring for elephants, gorillas and orangutans before working his way into Zoo management.
Randy’s leadership of the Kansas City Zoo has brought about remarkable changes during his 14-year tenure. Shortly after his arrival, he worked with board members and city leaders to spearhead a $30 million bond package for deferred maintenance and a polar bear exhibit that set the stage for many more improvements. Randy and the FOTZ Board directed a campaign in 2011 that resulted in the creation of a Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in Missouri. This 1/8 cent sales tax provides the Zoo a steady funding stream to continue to provide outstanding services, and has helped to build improvements like Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Orangutan Canopy, and the new Billy Goats Gruff Yard.
Over the past decade, Randy has led his team in developing a culture of customer service at the Zoo, resulting in a 37% growth in visitor satisfaction. In 2017, the Zoo reached a new milestone, welcoming more than one million visitors through its gates, and also reaching 30,000 Friends of the Zoo households.
Randy resides in Lee’s Summit, MO, with his wife of more than 40 years, Barb. He is a Professional Fellow with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Conservation Ambassador for the Missouri Department of Conservation and serves as a board member for Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG), Kansas City’s Economic Development Council (EDC), and Visit KC.
