Dale Schmidt is Named Executive Director of The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

By Patty Peters

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is pleased to announce the selection of Dale Schmidt to the position of Executive Director. Dale, the Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer, has served as Interim Director since the untimely passing of Jeff Swanagan in June 2009.

“We conducted a nationwide search and identified several qualified candidates for the position” said Connie Woodburn, President of the Zoo’s Board of Directors. “We have been very impressed with Dale’s ability to lead our team and move this beloved community asset and important conservation organization forward. Dale is our clear choice and it was a unanimous decision.”

Dale came to the Columbus Zoo in October 2008 from the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where he served as President/CEO. Prior to his five-year stay in Oregon, Dale was Executive Director of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Vice President of Operations at The Florida Aquarium. He also served as a consultant to the Georgia Aquarium and learned to love the industry at Busch Gardens and Universal Studios. Dale received his undergraduate degree in natural sciences from the University of South Florida and is active in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Jack Hanna, Jerry Borin, and my friend and mentor, Jeff Swanagan”, said Dale Schmidt. “The combination of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay Waterpark, Safari Golf Course, and the Wilds are unmatched in the Zoo industry and I am very proud to have the chance to lead this great team. I promise we will continue to make the Central Ohio community proud and maintain our number one zoo rating with great projects such as Polar Frontier opening this spring and the future opening of an African savanna.”

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days of the year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labor Day. General admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and seniors 60+. Children under 2 and Columbus Zoo members are free. The Zoo was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) For more information and to purchase advance Zoo admission tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org.

To view Columbus Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-20-Colombus_Zoo_and_Aquarium