Zoo’s New Director of Advancement 

Melissa Walker is Santa Barbara Zoo’s new Director of Advancement.

With more than 15 years of fundraising experience, Melissa brings extensive expertise in nonprofit leadership to the 30-acre menagerie.

“As a zoo member with a young son, my visits have been a favorite weekly activity for my family,” says Melissa. “I’m overjoyed to be part of the zoo’s team and look forward to connecting our community to the impact they make when they visit or support the zoo.”

Walker’s diverse background includes management positions at Girl Scouts and Girls Inc. of Orange County, Human Options, and Pretend City in Irvine.

After recently spending time abroad in London, Melissa is excited to be back in her hometown of Santa Barbara, reconnecting with the nonprofit community.