Bob Chastain: 2026 Spencer Penrose Award - El Pomar Foundation's Awards for Excellence

Bob Chastain is a visionary zoological leader whose career blended animal welfare, conservation leadership, and community engagement. He served nearly three decades at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, including 21 years as President and CEO from 2005 to 2026. Beginning his career at the Zoo as a horticulturist, Bob’s deep understanding of both the natural world and organizational leadership shaped a period of unprecedented growth and national recognition. Under Bob’s leadership, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo evolved from a respected regional attraction into one of the most celebrated zoos in North America. Annual attendance more than doubled during his tenure, and the Zoo became consistently ranked among the top five zoos on the continent. He led transformative campus expansion projects, including African Rift Valley, Rocky Mountain Wild, Encounter Africa, Australia Walkabout, Water’s Edge: Africa, and the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe—each reflecting a commitment to immersive guest experiences grounded in animal well‑being and conservation impact. A passionate advocate for wildlife protection, Bob launched the Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program in 2008, which went on to raise more than $6 million for frontline conservation partners around the world. His personal involvement with field conservation efforts, including work connected to Tsavo Trust in Kenya, underscored his belief in the power of accredited zoos to protect species and wild places. Beyond Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Bob contributed his expertise through leadership roles with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and service on Association of Zoos and Aquariums committees and boards. Bob Chastain’s legacy is defined by visionary growth, financial stability, innovative conservation funding, and a mission‑driven culture dedicated to connecting people with wildlife and inspiring stewardship of the natural world. The Spencer Penrose Award honors an exceptional leader whose vision and innovation have created lasting impact on the social, economic, cultural, or civic well-being of communities across Colorado. Inspired by Spencer Penrose’s belief in the multiplying power of leadership, the award recognizes individuals who turn bold ideas into sustainable change while elevating and empowering others. The honoree receives a $25,000 grant to direct to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their choosing. El Pomar Foundation's first program, Awards for Excellence, celebrates outstanding nonprofit organizations and individuals around Colorado. Presented at our biennial Night of Excellence ceremony, honorees are spotlighted for their work and receive grant dollars to support their extraordinary impact across the state. El Pomar stakeholders and community members are engaged in nominations and selections, and recognition and video tributes for each awardee help amplify their contributions for enhanced engagement in their communities.