Doug Piekarz is an experienced executive with over 30 years of experience in the zoo profession. Piekarz specializes in strategic and master planning, animal welfare, exhibit development, facility operations, and green practices. He has a strong analytical background, a hard work ethic, and a creative approach to resolving organizational issues, with an ultimate goal of building value for wildlife and wild places through a welcoming and inspirational guest experience.

Piekarz studied for his Master of Science in Biology, Ecology, Evolution at Montclair State University and his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick. Piekarz has also studied executive leadership development program at Association of Zoos and Aquariums and community leadership at Leadership Akron Class XXIV, Alumni.

Piekarz has held various positions at the Akron Zoo: President & C.E.O (current), Vice President of Planning and Conservation Programs, Vice President of Living Collections and Conservation Programs, Vice President of Collections and Grounds, and General Curator. Prior to joining the Akron Zoo, Piekarz worked at the Wildlife Conservation Society in various positions, including Senior Wild Animal Keeper and Area Supervisor, Principal Wild Animal Keeper/Assistant Department Supervisor, and Wild Animal Keeper. Piekarz also served as the Research Assistant for Horticulture/Exhibition Graphic Arts Department at the Wildlife Conservation Society.