CuriOdyssey competitors

JoAnn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. She began her career as a development engineer with AT&T Microelectronics in Allentown, PA. and relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1989 to work for AT&T Microelectronics as senior engineer. When she left the corporation, now known as Agere Systems, in 2003, she had risen to the position of Vice President of Manufacturing with responsibility for a staff of 650. JoAnn came to the Orlando Science Center in 2003. Prior to being named president and CEO in 2009, she served as Director of Exhibits, then Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer. During her time as president, the Orlando Science Center has seen tremendous growth with total attendance rising 65% over the last six years with the organization reaching over 570,000 people in 2016. JoAnn is dedicated to guiding the Orlando Science Center as a strong community partner for informal science education, family engagement and workforce development.

Nik Dehejia is responsible for the smooth running of almost every aspect of the Zoo. From raising money and managing it to marketing and education, to safety and rides, Nik’s long, varied experience at the zoo grounds his approaches to leadership and problem solving in the realities of running such an ambitious and diverse organization. This grounding has resulted in the successful completion of a number of high priority Zoo projects, such as the California Trail, a three-stage, multi-million dollar project that includes anew Veterinary Hospital (opened in 2012), a Biodiversity Center (opened in 2013), and the Gondola and California Trail (opened in 2017/2018). Prior to Oakland Zoo, Nik worked in both the public and non-profit sectors. At the World Resources Institute and World Bank he worked in international public policy, focused on corporate responsibility at Business for Social Responsibility, and worked in a more traditionally commercial role at Levi Strauss & Co. Nik holds an MBA from U.C. Berkeley and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College. A 23-year resident in the Bay Area and a father of two, Nik lives in Alameda.

Kevin Bell is a Chief Executive Officer at Lincoln Park Zoo.