Jason Jacobs is John Ball Zoo’s new Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience guiding institutions through capital campaigns, governance changes and public-private partnerships.
He served in leadership roles at Lion Country Safari in Florida, the Sacramento Zoo, and Reid Park Zoo in Arizona
While at the Los Angeles Zoo, Jacobs collaborated as an editorial consultant with actress Betty White on a book.
He serves on the boards of conservation groups and several national and international zoo associations.
In April, the zoo board of directors announced they were parting ways with then-CEO Peter D’Arienzo and named board member Rob VerHeulen as interim chair to guide the new CEO search.
The announcement of Jacobs’ hiring comes as Kent County voters consider a 10-year renewal of the millage jointly supporting both John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum on the November ballot.
Millage revenues support operations, everyday animal care, habitat maintenance, educational programming, and artifact preservation.
Jacobs begins as CEO December 7.
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