Charles Hopper serves as chief operating officer of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He took up the role in 2021 after working at the Seattle Aquarium for 15 years, most recently as senior manager of business operations. Hopper has extensive leadership experience in the zoological and aquarium industry.
“Charles brings a new level of experience, enthusiasm, and humanity to Birch Aquarium and is the ideal candidate to lead us through our recovery. I am looking forward to welcoming Charles to the Birch, Scripps Oceanography and larger UC San Diego team,” said executive director Harry Helling at the time of Hopper’s appointment.
“In his first year, Hopper will be charged with rebuilding operational support for the aquarium to be able to deliver on its mission of ‘we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet’,” he added.
During his tenure at Birch Aquarium, Hopper led several transformative initiatives, including deepening guest and community engagement, achieving record attendance, and driving revenue growth. Under his leadership, Birch Aquarium approved a renovation project with an $18 million first phase. Additionally, Hopper is actively involved in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), most recently serving on the board of directors
One nominator said Hopper is “charismatic, kind, creative, clever, and caring”. They added: “Charles is a tremendous leader. He is courageous and curious as a COO, willing to take risks, and always asking better and harder questions. He is a tremendous asset to any organization that he is a part of.”
In 2025, Hopper is joining the Santa Barbara Zoo as its next president and CEO.