August 6th - Luncheon (06 Aug 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Kiwanis Club of Houston

August 6th Luncheon

This luncheon will be at Maggiano's!!

Speaker: Lisa Peterson

President and CEO of the Houston Zoo

Lisa Peterson is President and CEO of the Houston Zoo, leading a conservation organization that welcomes more than two million guests annually while advancing impactful wildlife conservation initiatives around the world. Under her leadership, the Zoo contributes to efforts including the recovery of the Houston toad and gorilla conservation in Rwanda.

With 27 years of executive leadership experience, Peterson previously served as the first woman Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There, she helped advance conservation efforts for species ranging from platypus, rhinos, lions, and elephants to California condors, mountain lions, and burrowing owls. She also championed community-based conservation through artisan partnerships that empowered women in Kenya and led the development of the transformative Elephant Valley project.

At the Houston Zoo, Peterson is elevating signature experiences such as the Galápagos Islands and Texas Wetlands habitats while advancing access and belonging through the Zoo for All initiative. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of its Animal Population Management and Finance Committees. She also serves on the Council of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), as a member of its Executive Committee and Chair of its Finance Committee.

Peterson began her career with leadership roles at Apple and White Lodging and remains deeply committed to developing the next generation of conservation leaders. Through global partnerships and innovative conservation strategies, she continues to position the Houston Zoo as a leader in biodiversity conservation, education, and community engagement.

August 20th - Luncheon (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Kiwanis Club of Houston
August 20th Luncheon

This luncheon will be at Brennan's!!

Speaker: Yarko "JJ" Sos

Serving as a fighter pilot for over 22 years in both the US Navy and US Air Force, amassing more than 4000 flight hours in F-14, F/A-18 and F-16 fighter jets. He completed 5 carrier deployments and multiple combat tours. In retirement, he became one of the founding members of Check-6 International, a performance leadership company comprised exclusively of military veterans. “JJ” has consulted with clients globally for the past 20 years. In 2025 he spent 6 months as an advisor the Ukrainian Air Force for F-16 employment and tactics. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Rutgers University. He resides with his wife and family in Houston, Texas.

Kiwanis Club Of Houston upcoming events

August 6th - Luncheon (06 Aug 2026)

August 20th - Luncheon (20 Aug 2026)