It's Official - Don Hutchinson is President/CEO of Maryland Zoo

By Jane Ballentine

Baltimore, MD - The Maryland Zoo Board of Trustees announced that Don Hutchinson will formally drop the title “Interim President/CEO” and will stay with the Zoo as the President/CEO.

“When we approached Don about this opportunity in 2007, we had hoped he could stabilize our financial position and at the same time begin to bring about major changes at the Zoo,” explained Board Chair Eric Orlinsky. “We knew from the beginning that Don had the perfect mix of political skills, experience and contacts, private sector relationships and experience running a business to lead the Zoo. We got everything we expected from Don, and more. We are so pleased that he is having so much fun running the Zoo that both he and the Board have decided to extend his tenure into the future.”

Mr. Hutchinson has released this statement:

“I find it hard to believe that I have been here at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore for almost two years. What started out as a 15-month interim presidency has gradually morphed into something more. I am pleased to announce that I have decided to stay at the Zoo and drop the “interim” from my title. And the Board of Trustees has agreed, for which I am grateful.

These past two years have been challenging, but at the same time filled with opportunities to meet with government officials, business and community leaders and the public to share the Zoo story and showcase our animals, our conservation and education programs and highlight the work of our staff. I enjoy walking the Zoo grounds and meeting guests, getting feedback from them and watching our talented staff hard at work.

The good news is that the Zoo’s financial position is beginning to strengthen, and we finished our 2008-2009 fiscal year in the black for the second year in a row. This is due, in part, because of our partners including the state and city, various counties, corporations, foundations, private donors, zoo members and guests.

Despite the fact that the Zoo is becoming a stronger institution, we are still a $16,500,000 operation working under an $11,500,000 budget. We will continue to struggle with our financial operations until we can reach that milestone and move forward.

In the past two years, we have addressed many critical needs including water quality, fire safety and exhibit improvements, and will continue to focus on our physical plant renovations, as well as our fiscal operations.

These two years have gone by quickly, and I am looking forward to continuing my work here on behalf of the Zoo and our community.”

About The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Founded in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States and is internationally known for its contributions in conservation and research. More than 1,500 animals are represented in the Zoo’s varied natural habitat exhibits in areas such as Polar Bear Watch, the Maryland Wilderness, African Journey and the award-winning Children’s Zoo. Situated in Druid Hill Park near downtown Baltimore, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. For more information, visit www.marylandzoo.org.

To view Maryland Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-103-Maryland_Zoo_in_Baltimore