In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Heather Thompson, CHRO of the Nashville Zoo, to explore what it's like to lead people operations at a nonprofit zoo balancing rapid growth, distinct subcultures, and a mission rooted in conservation.
Heather shares her journey into the role through a mutual connection, and why values alignment and a supportive leadership team ultimately sealed the deal for her. The conversation dives into how the Zoo manages the tension between its animal care and administrative teams, each with its own subculture, while still holding onto one unifying organizational identity as the staff has grown from 57 to over 450 employees.
The episode also covers the Zoo's homegrown, life-cycle approach to leadership development, honest reflections on where the organization still has room to grow, and a look ahead at major expansion plans — including new habitats and job opportunities — over the next 12 to 18 months.
What You'll Learn
How a nonprofit zoo structures both animal care and administrative career paths
Why "family-like" culture can be a positive when grounded in real employee experience
How to cultivate shared culture across very different subcultures within one organization
The intentional design behind an application-based, multi-stage leadership development program
Where the organization is still working to improve (communication and structure)
What kind of person thrives there — and what growth is coming next
Company Highlights
Industry: Nonprofit zoo and conservation organization
Customer Base: Families and visitors across Middle Tennessee and the broader Southeast
Company Stage: Established and expanding nonprofit (founded 1991, relocated 1997), ~377–450 staff and partners
Culture: Trust-based, hands-on, adaptable to growth, with distinct subcultures across departments
Focus Areas: Conservation, guest experience, leadership development, and organizational growth
Unique Perks & Programs
Paid Internship Program: Includes paid housing and hands-on daily animal care experience
Full Life-Cycle Leadership Development: Application-based tracks from orientation through "emerging," "new leadership," and "maintenance" stages, including 1:1 executive coaching
Free Zoo Membership: Extended to employees and their families
Reciprocal Ticket Partnerships: Access to other attractions (zoos, ski resorts, etc.) through partner exchange programs
Investment in Conservation Travel: Opportunities to participate in local and global conservation trips
Internal Volunteer-to-Career Pipeline: Volunteer and internship pathways designed to build toward long-term roles
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Recruit the Employer. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Recruit the Employer och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
