As Director of Guest Services for San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Alliance, Susan Alvarez directs operations for the part of the organization that welcomes over 4 million visitors annually and has more than 400,000 members, with a direct fiscal responsibility of over $125 million in revenue, $10 million in labor and $4 million in operating expenses.  Her responsibilities include managing Admissions, Tours & Transportation, Attractions, Guest Ambassadors, Parking Management, Wild Heroes Military Outreach Program, and all Volunteers.

Prior to her current position, Susan was Associate Executive Director for Mission Valley YMCA, a position she rose to after starting her career with YMCA as a Membership Services Supervisor and Marketing Administrator.

She is a Cum Laude Graduate of UCSD, a LEAD Advanced Graduate, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt of UCSD.

Susan thanks her sponsors Michael Brunker, Shawn Dixon and Veronica Perondi.