Meet AZA: Fall 2021

New Zoo Director Champions Wildlife, Sustainability: The most popular ticketed attraction in the state has a new leader. Heidi Rahn, a lifelong wildlife advocate with a focus on sustainability, has been named the Oregon Zoo’s next director, Metro officials announced today.

Decatur Man Named as New CEO to Lead Renowned Conservation Institution: Michael Adkesson, of Decatur, has been named President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society and Director of Brookfield Zoo on October 8, completing an intensive search for a successor to Dr. Stuart Strahl, who led the organization through dramatic change over the past 18 years.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Welcomes Chief Development Officer Terry Skoda: Terry Skoda has joined Fresno Chaffee Zoo as Chief Development Officer. Zoo officials conducted a nationwide search to fill this critical role for the non-profit organization.

Joseph Smith named vice president of The Wilds: With a commitment to making a positive impact on saving wild animals and wild places, veterinarian Joseph A. Smith is the new vice president of The Wilds.

Aquarium Announces new Director of Marketing and Communications: The Seattle Aquarium recently announced the appointment of Kat Willson as the new Director of Marketing and Communications.

Saint Louis Zoo Names New President and CEO: The Saint Louis Zoo has named Dwight Scott, currently executive director of the San Diego Zoo, as its new president and CEO, effective Jan. 3. Scott will succeed Jeffrey Bonner, who's set to retire from that post at year's end.

Megan Dickerson Joins Birch Aquarium at Scripps Oceanography as Director of Exhibits: A new director of exhibits is joining the team at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Megan Dickerson comes to the aquarium from The New Children’s Museum, where she served for eight years, most recently in the role of director of exhibitions.?

National Zoo Names Veteran Curator Brandie Smith its New Director: Only the second woman to hold the post in the organization’s 132-year history, she oversees the care of 2,700 animals, from pandas to mole rats.

Wei Ying Wong Fills New Science and Education Leadership Position: The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is proud to announce that Wei Ying Wong has been chosen to become ASLC’s first Chief Science and Education Officer.

Texas State Aquarium officially appoints Jesse Gilbert as president and CEO: After becoming interim president and CEO in November, Jesse Gilbert has been officially named the Texas State Aquarium's president and CEO.

Roger Williams Park Zoo Announces New Executive Director: The Rhode Island Zoological Society Board of Trustees on Tuesday announced Stacey Johnson as the new Executive Director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo, following a national search.

Kansas City Zoo Names New Executive Director: An extensive nationwide search for the new director of the Kansas City Zoo has ended with a very familiar face. According to a release from the zoo, the zoo's current Chief Zoological Officer, Sean Putney, will take the reins starting Jan. 1.