Doug Piekarz

Doug Piekarz is the President and CEO of the Akron Zoo, a position he has held since January 1, 2015.1 Here's an overview of his background and accomplishments:

Education and Experience

Doug Piekarz has an extensive educational background in animal science and biology:

• Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University
• Master's Degree in Biology, Ecology and Evolution from Montclair State University1

He has worked in the zoo field for over 35 years, with experience including:

• A decade at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo in New York
• 25 years at the Akron Zoo, holding various executive positions before becoming President & CEO1

Professional Contributions

Piekarz has made significant contributions to the field of zoology and conservation:

• Participated in international conservation efforts in Venezuela, Brazil, and Spain, focusing on water bird conservation
• Served as an instructor and course administrator for the Association of Zoo and Aquariums' (AZA) professional development school
• Worked as an Adjunct Professor in the graduate program in zoo management at George Mason University
• Mentored in AZA's Executive Leadership Development Program1

Leadership and Recognition

As President & CEO of the Akron Zoo, Piekarz has achieved notable accomplishments:

• Sworn in to serve on the AZA Board of Directors in 2022, helping to guide the largest accrediting organization for professional zoological parks and aquariums2
• Led the zoo to receive top honors in marketing for its Wild Asia campaign at the 2022 AZA Conference2
• Oversaw the zoo's growth, including the addition of new exhibits like Wild Asia, Pride of Africa, and Curious Creatures3
• Guided the zoo to achieve a perfect accreditation inspection in June 2021, making it one of only three zoos in 50 years to receive this distinction3

Community Involvement

Piekarz is actively involved in various professional and community organizations:

• Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• Summit of Sustainability Committee
• ArtsNow
• Shift Akron
• Center for Applied Drama and Autism
• Leadership Akron's Parks and Environment Committee1

Under his leadership, the Akron Zoo has become a strong community partner, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering educational broadcasts, hosting free meal distributions and blood drives, and donating masks to healthcare providers.3