Women in Leadership Advisory Member

Linda Criss

Active Term: 08/2025 - 08/2026

Areas of Expertise

• Inspiring Emotional Intelligence
• Mentoring and Building a Culture of Mentorship
• Empowering Communications
• Advocacy, Actions & Accountability
• Driving Ideas, Intellectual Growth & Transformation

COO & VP

Akron Zoo

As the chief operating officer at the Akron Zoo, Linda is responsible for business operations, revenue streams, capital projects, creation of special exhibitions, as well as strategic and master planning for an accredited zoological organization.

Before becoming the chief operating officer, Linda was the vice president of communications and was responsible for the zoo’s marketing, public relations, special events, and education, as well as business operations.

Linda is a 34-year veteran in the zoo and aquarium field. She currently serves on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Professional Development Committee and Animal Welfare Committee. Linda also volunteers as an accreditation inspector for AZA.

Linda earned a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Akron.

Linda has been a volunteer in mission since 1997, traveling locally and abroad to help those in need. She is the immediate past board chair for Bonyo's Kenya Mission. A local organization that provides medical care and education to people in Kenya.

When she’s not at the zoo, Linda enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, biking, and with her animals, which include Nubian goats, miniature donkeys, and a Bull Mastiff named Rigby.

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