Brookfield Zoo Chicago appointed Nichole Gladney as its senior vice president of people and culture effective July 8, the zoo announced July 16.
As the zoo’s newest vice president, Gladney will oversee its human resources strategy and organizational development efforts so its “workplace and workforce initiatives align with the zoo’s mission” of inspiring conservation leadership and education, the zoo said.
With more than 20 years of experience in global organizations, Gladney most recently served as vice president of talent acquisition and engagement for the North American branch of Keolis, a French company that designs and operates public transit systems across the world.
She has also worked as vice president of human resources for both the Kraft Heinz Company, the conglomerate behind food brands like Kraft, Heinz, Oscar Mayer and more, and Experian, one of the three agencies that reports peoples’ credit scores.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nichole to Brookfield Zoo Chicago,” said Dr. Michael Adkesson, the zoo’s president and CEO, in a written statement. “Our people are the heart of who we are and how we deliver our mission. Nichole’s passion for building purpose-driven teams and her strategic mindset will help shape the future of our workforce and the culture that supports it.”