Photo: Texas State Aquarium
POWELL, Ohio (WTVN)--The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has named a new President and CEO.
Tom Schmid will come in from the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi to lead the organization, which includes the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, the Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds.
Schmid has 34 years of experience in zoological attractions, and was the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums from 2012 to 2013.
Upon his hiring, Schm,id says, "I'm humbled and honored to work alongside this incredible team and to become part of the Central Ohio community," said Schmid. "What captured my interest—the culture of conservation at the Zoo and The Wilds—is working with rare and endangered species; the staff expertise in animal care and welfare; and the diversified portfolio of parks, which include Safari Golf Club and Zoombezi Bay. This is an extraordinary organization with an exceptional team."
He officially takes over in December.
Schmid's hiring follows the resignation of former Zoo President and CEO Tom Stalf, and three others, after they were found to have misused zoo resources. That led to a loss of $600,000.