POWELL, Ohio— The Columbus Zoo today announced the appointment of Christopher Moses as Vice President of People and Culture, overseeing human resources and organizational culture across the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club.
In this role, Moses will lead enterprise-wide strategies focused on employee engagement, leadership development, workforce planning, labor relations, and building a strong, values-driven culture that supports the Zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
“Chris brings an exceptional depth of experience, integrity, and leadership to this role,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “His proven ability to lead complex organizations, build trust with employees, and align people strategies with organizational goals makes him the right leader to continue to shape the future of our workplace culture.”
Moses joins the Zoo from the City of Columbus Department of Human Resources, where he most recently served as Director and Chief Personnel Officer, overseeing human resources for more than 10,000 city employees. As a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet, he led a department with a $13.8 million budget and responsibility for talent, compensation, benefits, labor relations, training and development, employee wellness, equal employment resources, safety, and veterans services. He also served as the City’s lead for a citywide culture initiative focused on engagement, collaboration, and development.
Over the past decade, Moses held progressive leadership roles within the City of Columbus, including Deputy Director, Labor Relations Manager, and Labor Relations Specialist. His experience includes leading labor strategy and negotiations, advising executive leadership and City Council, modernizing workforce systems, and guiding organizations through complex change, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in his career, Moses represented public sector labor unions, advised the Ohio State Legislature on pension systems, and practiced labor and employment law.
Moses holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School. He is also the recipient of multiple state and national awards recognizing innovation and leadership in labor relations and public service.
“As an organization grounded in people—our staff, our partners, and our community—this role is about creating an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to do meaningful work,” Moses said. “I’m honored to join this organization and contribute to a culture that advances both our mission and the people who make it possible.”
Moses begins his role on January 19, 2026.
