A lifelong animal advocate, Rachel Bergren is the Executive Director of Heaven Can Wait Animal Society where she is responsible for overseeing operations, development, strategic plan implementation, and the achievement of the charity’s vision, mission, and financial objectives.
Rachel’s vast experience in animal care and her passion for contributing to the community began at a young age. In 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University then went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Biology from Western Illinois University in 2005.
Her expansive career launched in the early 2000’s in zoo and aquarium management, when she served more than a decade at the iconic Shedd Aquarium in Illinois. Next, she became Vice President of Education for Chicago’s famous Lincoln Park Zoo, honing her leadership and community skills at one of the most recognizable cultural institutions for animal welfare in the country.
After Chicago, Rachel moved to Sausalito, California where she worked at The Marine Mammal Center — the world’s largest marine mammal rehabilitation, scientific research, and education facility. And, most recently, she held the role of Executive Director for Get Outdoors Nevada.
