Houston Zoo, Chief Financial Officer

The Houston Zoo is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Garcia as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 2026.

Garcia joins the Houston Zoo from the YMCA of Greater Houston, where she currently serves as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, she leads all financial operations for one of the region’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations, overseeing accounting, procurement and payables, accounts receivable, payroll, and business services. Her work has supported the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community well‑being through education, access, and stewardship—priorities that align closely with the Houston Zoo’s commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement.

Since joining the YMCA in 2014, Garcia has played a key leadership role in advancing financial transparency, operational effectiveness, and long‑term sustainability across a complex, multi‑site nonprofit organization. She assumed the CFO role in early 2020 after previously serving as Vice President of Financial Operations and Controller, guiding strategic financial planning during periods of organizational growth and change. Her experience supporting mission‑driven initiatives through sound financial management positions her well to help advance the Zoo’s conservation programs and educational outreach.

Earlier in her career, Garcia spent seven years in public accounting, focusing primarily on Houston‑based nonprofit organizations. She is a Certified Public Accountant and brings deep expertise in nonprofit finance, governance, and fiscal stewardship.

Garcia holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies in Business from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. A native Houstonian, she is deeply connected to the community and is passionate about supporting organizations that enrich the region’s quality of life. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two dogs—and cheering on the Houston Astros.