Susan Altrui

• Oversee department heads to maintain smooth operations for key city functions.
• Serve as key liaison to City Board of Directors.
• Research issues, write reports and present findings to city board and Mayor.
• Manage budgets and make recommendations.
• Advocate for state and federal funding opportunities to secure additional resources for critical city projects.

• Direct all operations of the state’s only accredited zoo
• Spearhead the development of short and long-range goals and maintain a financially solvent organization
• Create innovative programming that inspires conservation learning and provides family recreation
• Represent the zoo in fundraising solicitation and galvanize public support for capital campaign efforts
• Maintain accreditation and ensure compliance with all laws
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that provides opportunity for all people

Key Accomplishments:

• Built Zoo Foundation from the ground up from 2005 to present
• Tripled Zoo Foundation assets in last ten years and acquired $3 million endowment fund
• Developed and implemented new zoo facility master plan
• Successfully built five major new zoo facility additions
• Implemented new point of sale system to decrease gate wait time and increase sales transactions
• Implemented TRACKS software programs to collect and manage data on animal wellness
• Implemented new teen and adult volunteer programs that provide enhanced learning experiences
• Implemented most successful event in zoo’s history with new lantern event in 2022
• Implemented contract service provider for concessions/retail tripling sales in 2023 and 2024
• Increased attendance in COVID-19 year and beyond when other attractions were in decline
• Increased membership sales program with new member growth and member retention

• Steered project to open new Arkansas Heritage Farm exhibit including private fundraising, exhibit design, and strategic marketing; kept all departments on track for on-time project completion
• Directed plan to increase guest satisfaction; increased overall zoo revenue by more than 20%
• Completed $1.5 million in upgrades in or under budget and on time; raised $1 million in grants in less than under a year
• Overhauled Emergency Procedures Manual to match recommendations of the AZA Special Committee on Safety; implemented Incident Command Management (ICM) system
• Implemented software to improve efficiency for membership, work order management and ticket sales

• Developed all strategic communication plans for the Little Rock Zoo including marketing and public relations plans, social media and crisis communication plans
• Led team of staff and volunteers that organized all special events of the zoo and the Zoo Foundation
• Grew Arkansas Zoological Foundation from its beginning in 2005 to a nonprofit with million dollar assets; led board member teams for fundraising, board recruitment, special events and other tasks
• Polished public speaker and presenter able to talk on-camera professionally
• Experienced crisis manager familiar with navigating large-scale stories; experienced with state’s Freedom of Information Act law

• Instructor for MEDC 5300 Strategic Communication course and MEDC 6000 Seminar in Media Communication course
• Lead students in assigned tasks and help them complete an end-of-semester thesis
• Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.

• Organized government outreach efforts to the 85th General Assembly, Regular Session, of the Arkansas State Legislature for the Arkansas Public Policy Panel
• Developed talking points, materials for distribution and other collateral
• Assisted organization with overall strategies for grassroots organizing and meeting with members of the assembly

• Supervised branch offices in more than a dozen counties and trained staff to communicate campaign message
• Organized hundreds of volunteers to help with get-out-the-vote efforts on Election Day

• Managed grassroots leaders with online communication tools for volunteer activism; spread campaign message using online blogs and other volunteer tools
• traveled to primary states to help organize field offices