Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden competitors

As President and CEO, I lead the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and the Wilds conservation center with a focus on inspiring people to make a difference for wildlife and wild places. Annually more than 2.8 million people visit the Columbus Zoo and its other entities making it one of the most successful zoological institutions in the country and a significant economic engine in central Ohio. I have more than 30 years experience gained by first working as zookeeper and then advancing through every aspect of zoo management - from animal care to exhibit design to financial management to strategic visioning. I became the youngest zoo director in the country when tapped to manage Niabi Zoo in Illinois in 1995 and guided that zoo to gain national accreditation for the first time. I strive to use storytelling and my love of education to help inspire people to join the Zoo’s mission to protecting animals globally and locally. I have traveled with Jack Hanna for education programs, zoo promotions and national television appearances for more than 20 years, and do regular speaking engagements and television appearances, as well as speaking on behalf of state and federal legislation that affects wildlife. I place a high priority on animal welfare and conservation, and have had the opportunity to travel to several countries where the Zoo supports programs that help people help protect wildlife including a program helping save mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Africa. Globally, the Zoo has more than 100 conservation projects in 46 countries that are supported by $4 million raised through public donations and fundraisers each year.

• Highly accomplished senior leader with over 30 years of experience in the management and daily operation of conservation organizations• A diverse educational background combining business experience (Master of Business Administration) and conservation biology (Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences)• Extensive business expertise incorporating entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures including business plan development, fundraising, strategic planning, budgeting, staff and volunteer management, working with a board of directors• Proven ability to lead a coalition of regional educational facilities, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders in support of conservation activities. Development of research projects including report writing and statistical data analysis in peer reviewed journals to assist conservation biology, endangered species management and educational programs

Ms. Marise McDermott is a President and Chief Executive Officer at Witte Museum and is based in United States.

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