Cristal Torres DeHerrera is a C-suite executive and public sector leader with more than 20 years of experience leading complex organizations at the intersection of public trust, operational scale, and community impact. As Acting President and CEO of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (Zoo), she leads the organization’s strategic and operational priorities while strengthening board and civic partnerships and reinforcing enterprise discipline across culture, capital planning, and financial governance. She advances the Zoo’s global conservation and biodiversity efforts across four continents, including field conservation partnerships throughout Latin America, and is committed to strengthening cross-border collaboration to protect shared ecosystems and species. She also champions the Zoo’s role as a trusted community asset and economic driver, expanding access, education, and engagement to connect people to wildlife, inspire conservation action, support economic vitality, and develop the next generation of conservation and community leaders.

Previously, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Denver International Airport, where she helped guide the airport through the global pandemic, initiated the renovation of the iconic Jeppesen Terminal, and advanced the airport’s long-term strategic plan, Vision 100. A former Denver Deputy City Attorney and law firm partner, she is known for translating strategy into disciplined execution and building trusted partnerships that drive lasting civic and conservation impact for future generations.