IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018

David Velazquez
Director of Guest Experience
Santa Barbara Zoo


David Velazquez serves as the Director of Guest Experience for the beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo and focuses on creating a fun quality personal visitor experience. He oversees various teams in General Admissions, Attractions, Entertainment, Animal Experiences, and Food Service operations. David has 23 years of experience in the customer service industry. His guiding principle is always to improve, innovate, and provide a high-quality product. Over the last 14 years, he has helped provide an exceptional guest experience at the Santa Barbara Zoo for over 490,000 visitors per year on a non-profit budget. He has successfully spearheaded critical revenue generating business decisions impacting zoo operations and community traditions. He facilitates participation in multiple community programs and activities such as holiday parades, park festivals, zoo character appearances, and Chamber of Commerce events. He also tries to give back by taking advantage of other volunteer opportunities such as Partners in Education “mock-up interviews” which helps youth develop skills for the workforce, and as a Facilitator in the “I Am Santa Barbara” program through Visit Santa Barbara, which helps provide a great tourist experience across the county. Participates in the Big Sur Condor Conservation volunteer opportunities, local restoration programs, and much more.

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