A Legacy Reclaimed: Rolf Benirschke Returns to Lead San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

SAN DIEGO, CA – January 06, 2026 – The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) has appointed a leader whose ties to the organization are as deep and foundational as the research it champions. Rolf Benirschke, a former NFL standout and celebrated San Diego figure, has been elected as the new chairman of the Board of Trustees. He succeeds Steven S. Simpson, who will remain a serving board member.

This appointment is more than a leadership change; it is the continuation of a profound family legacy. Benirschke steps into a role shaped by the pioneering vision of his father, Dr. Kurt Benirschke, the man who established the Alliance's world-renowned conservation research program. This generational link brings a unique sense of history and purpose to the chairmanship at a pivotal time for global conservation efforts.

"I am honored and very humbled to step into the role of chairman and help continue Dad's legacy of applying science and innovation to conservation and wildlife protection," said Rolf Benirschke. "San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has played a huge role in my life, and I am excited to be a part of this amazing team that continues to advance its mission of conservation."

A Foundation of Science and Family

Rolf Benirschke’s connection to the zoo is not a recent development. It began in his youth, working in the very research lab his father founded. Dr. Kurt Benirschke was a visionary who, in 1975, established the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES). His most prescient initiative was the creation of a tissue bank for endangered species, which became the world-famous "Frozen Zoo."

At the time, the technology to utilize frozen cells for reproduction was in its infancy, but Dr. Benirschke insisted on collecting samples for reasons that were not yet fully understood. Today, that foresight has paid off immeasurably. The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, which evolved from CRES, is the largest facility of its kind, holding living cell cultures, sperm, and embryos from nearly 1,000 taxa. This bio-bank is a critical safeguard against extinction and a vital tool for modern genetic research. As the Alliance prepares to celebrate 50 years of this conservation science work in 2025, Rolf Benirschke's leadership marks a poignant full-circle moment.

Even during his high-profile football career, Benirschke leveraged his platform for the cause. In 1980, he created 'Kicks for Critters,' a wildly successful fundraising platform where he pledged personal funds for every field goal kicked. The campaign galvanized the San Diego community, raising over $1 million by 1987 to support the work his father started. He also initiated the 'Celebration for the Critters' fundraiser, an event that endures today as the popular Food Wine and Brew Celebration.

From the Gridiron to the Boardroom

Benirschke's journey to the chairmanship is as diverse as it is impressive. He is widely remembered for his remarkable 10-year career as a record-setting placekicker for the San Diego Chargers. His resilience and character, both on and off the field, earned him the NFL's most prestigious honor, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

His post-NFL career has been equally dynamic. He became a sought-after keynote speaker, authored four books, and founded the Legacy Golf Invitational, a charity tournament now in its 26th year. However, it was his personal health battle with ulcerative colitis during his playing days that profoundly shaped his path. This experience drove him to build a patient engagement firm, Legacy Health Strategies, and to fund several biotech startups focused on developing products for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

This unique background—blending the discipline of professional sports with the compassion of patient advocacy and the acumen of a biotech entrepreneur—provides him with a multifaceted leadership perspective. It is this combination of experience and deep-rooted passion that the Alliance leadership believes will be invaluable.

"Rolf's heart and deep connection to our Alliance's history and to the San Diego community, makes him the perfect person to fill this role," said Shawn Dixon, President and Chief Executive Officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "With his long history and deep connection to SDZWA, his lifelong passion for wildlife, and his years of trusted leadership, it is our privilege to welcome Rolf Benirschke to the chairman role."

Charting a Global Course for Conservation

As chairman, Benirschke will guide a financially robust and globally influential organization. In 2023, SDZWA reported total revenue of $411 million and held nearly $800 million in net assets, earning a top-tier Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator for its financial health and accountability. This stability provides a powerful platform for its ambitious mission.

Benirschke will lead the board in advancing the strategic priorities of the Alliance’s eight global conservation hubs. These hubs anchor critical conservation work in key regions, from the Amazonia and African Forest to the Pacific Islands and the American Southwest. The Alliance's strategy focuses on integrating wildlife care, scientific innovation, and public inspiration to create sustainable conservation solutions.

His experience in the biotech world aligns seamlessly with the Alliance's emphasis on innovation. SDZWA is a leader in applying cutting-edge science to conservation, from genome-wide sequencing to developing new reproductive technologies that utilize the invaluable resources of the Frozen Zoo. Benirschke's understanding of both scientific development and strategic business growth will be crucial as the organization tackles complex challenges like habitat loss, human-wildlife coexistence, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. His leadership signals a commitment to not only honoring a storied past but also to boldly innovating for the future of wildlife worldwide.