LaRue Cooper is a dedicated and results-driven leader whose journey from Newark, New Jersey, to Ohio reflects a deep commitment to perseverance and personal growth. He earned his degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Urbana University, laying a strong foundation for his career in guest services and team leadership. Currently serving as the Guest Experience Supervisor at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay, Cooper oversees a dynamic team of up to 300 seasonal employees. His attention to detail, innovative thinking, and strategic alignment with organizational goals have played a pivotal role in enhancing the guest experience. Over the past year alone, his leadership has contributed to welcoming more than 350,000 visitors, ensuring memorable and seamless experiences for guests of all ages. Coopers’s professional ethos is rooted in hard work, adaptability, and a passion for creating positive, lasting impressions—qualities that continue to drive his success in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
