Impactful Women of the 918: Lindsay Hutchison, CFRE

Lindsay Hutchison says she fell in love with the Tulsa Zoo when she was a little girl. Her dad served on the Tulsa Zoo Friends Board and her mom helped chair zoo events. “My brother and I were at the zoo any chance we could get.”

After a nationwide search, Hutchison was named President/CEO in 2020, and says it “is an absolute joy. My husband and kids now get to experience this amazing zoo, and I love seeing the historic transformation that we are undergoing through their eyes.”

The impact of the current public-private partnership has been transformational. “In just over 14 years, we have invested over $70 million into the zoo, increased staffing by 78% and are now the largest daily paid attraction in the region with almost 700,000 annual guests every year. A world class zoo affects quality of life in our region.”

Hutchison also emphasized the educational impact of zoo programs, with over 250,000 people participating.

Besides zoo work, Hutchison enjoys volunteering and mentoring. “I have served as a mentor for the Executive Leadership Development Program for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This program identifies 10 individuals that would like to be president/CEO or zoo director. It helped me prepare for this role, and I enjoy giving back in this way.” She also loves volunteering at her children’s school, especially library duty.

“Tulsa is dynamic, welcoming and constantly changing and growing,” she says. “I think many underestimate the amazing access we have to arts and culture, great food and world-class attractions.” Hutchison encourages others to experience the region and also to support their favorites. “Our unique cultural and arts attractions cannot survive without everyone’s support and advocacy.”

While Hutchison loves her job, she says she is a mom and wife first. “I love spending time with my family,” she says. “My nights and weekends are typically filled with lots of kids’ activities and games – I wouldn’t have it any other way.”