Denver Zoo Selects Bert Vescolani as New President & CEO

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Following an extensive nationwide search, the Denver Zoological Foundation Board of Governors announced today the selection of Bert Vescolani as the new president & CEO of Denver Zoo. Vescolani comes to Denver Zoo following seven years as president & CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center in St. Louis, Mo. and replaces Denny O’Malley, who has served as interim president & CEO since June 2017. He will assume leadership of the Zoo in mid-September.

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Bert Vescolani will take over leadership of Denver Zoo following seven years as president & CEO of Saint Louis Science Center. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Bert was chosen to lead Denver Zoo because of his depth and breadth of experience in both animal care and executive leadership, and for his tremendous energy and enthusiasm,” said Chair of the Denver Zoological Foundation Sherri Koelbel, who led the search effort. “We have full confidence that he will uphold our position as a world-class cultural and conservation organization, and provide strong, steady leadership through this exciting and pivotal period for the Zoo.”

With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, Vescolani has held numerous leadership positions within scientific and zoological institutions. Prior to his most recent role at Saint Louis Science Center, where he led the largest exhibit expansion in its 30-year history and fundraising efforts focused on capital projects, he served six years as director of the John Ball Zoological Gardens in Grand Rapids, Mich., helping the zoo dramatically grow its programs and exhibits. Before that, Vescolani served in various capacities, from director of education to senior vice president of aquarium collection and education, at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Ill. over 14 years.

“It’s a tremendous honor to join the Denver Zoo team and have the opportunity to contribute to an institution that is so well respected for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, education and guest experience,” said Vescolani. “I look forward to helping Denver Zoo reach its significant potential by fulfilling the long-term master plan, improving the campus and guest experience, and building on educational and conservation programs.”

A self-described “educator at heart,” Vescolani started his career as a high school science teacher before jumping into higher education at Northwestern University, where he co-developed and taught a course focused on nonprofit management in museums, science centers and zoological settings. At Denver Zoo, he will lead more than 400 employees and 600 volunteers, oversee the care and management of more than 4,000 animals representing 600 species, and be responsible for the continued improvement, progression and evolution of Colorado’s most-visited cultural destination.

“We are deeply grateful to Denny for the contributions he made to Denver Zoo during his 14 months of transitional leadership,” said Koelbel. “Thanks to him the Zoo is in a tremendous position within the community and industry, and poised for future success.”

Interviews will not be granted until further notice. For more information, visit DenverZoo.org.

About Denver Zoo

Home to more than 4,000 animals, representing 600 species, Denver Zoo is committed to species conservation by bringing science education to life and providing extraordinary experiences that foster human and animal connections. It is the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving more than 2 million people per year. Located in Denver’s City Park, the Zoo is a nonprofit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding, Denver Zoo commits more than $2 million annually to field conservation for programs around the world.

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