After 37 years of service to the City of Los Angeles, Zoo Assistant General Manager Mei Kwan, Club Member, is retiring with a career marked by steady leadership, public service, and lasting contributions to the Los Angeles Zoo and the communities it serves.
A retirement reception was held May 28 in the Los Angeles Zoo’s Grand Room.
Mei began her City career in 1989, serving in administrative and analytical roles with the Board of Public Works and Housing. Over the years, she built a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and a tireless commitment. Her career path eventually led her to the Los Angeles Zoo, where she would spend the next 27 years helping shape the organization’s future.
As Chief Financial Officer and later Assistant General Manager, Mei played a key role in guiding the Zoo through periods of growth, operational change, and unexpected challenges. She oversaw financial planning and administrative operations while supporting divisions that ranged from Information Technology and Capital Projects to Learning and Engagement. Her ability to manage complex responsibilities while keeping the Zoo’s mission at the forefront earned the respect of colleagues throughout the Zoo Dept. and the City of Los Angeles.
“Mei’s impressive 37 years of public service, including 27 transformative years at the Los Angeles Zoo, have left an indelible mark on our organization,” said Chief Executive Officer and Zoo Director Denise Verret, Club Member. “Beyond her unmatched work ethic and operational brilliance, what I treasure most is the lifelong bond we developed over decades of working side-by-side. While her leadership and professional insights will be deeply missed, the profound relationship we built is something that will transcend her well-deserved retirement.”
Mei’s leadership and dedication was steadfast through some of the Zoo’s most challenging moments. Following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, she helped coordinate emergency response efforts to protect staff, guests, and animals. Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she once again stepped into a critical role, helping develop and oversee safety procedures during an uncertain time.
Outside of her work with the City, Mei remained dedicated to professional development and mentorship. A graduate of UCLA, she served on the advisory board for the UC Irvine Customer Experience Management program and contributed her expertise to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as a Professional Fellow. She also volunteered as a mentor and counselor with the Boy Scouts of America.
Those who worked with Mei describe her as thoughtful, dependable, and deeply committed to her work. Her leadership helped strengthen the Los Angeles Zoo while supporting the employees, visitors, and community members connected to it.
As she begins retirement, Mei leaves behind a legacy of dedication and quiet excellence that will continue to influence the Zoo and the City of Los Angeles for years to come.
The Club congratulates Mei Kwan on her impressive career of serving the citizens of Los Angeles. Well done!
