Pate elected to Board of Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Pate elected to Board of Association of Zoos & Aquariums

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the election of its Executive Director, Dennis Pate, to the 2008/2009 Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Board of Directors. The AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science. Pate joins the ranks of those representing some of the most prestigious zoos in the nation, including San Diego, Lincoln Park in Chicago and Walt Disney World. The Board Members are responsible for policy setting for the more than 200 AZA zoo and aquarium members, and they play a key role in finance, legal services and management of the organization.

"One of the great privileges I have as AZA Chair of the Board is to work with so many who share a passionate commitment to our profession," said 2007/2008 Chair of the Board Satch Krantz. "All of these high-caliber individuals are strong leaders who deserve our thanks and congratulations for their willingness to stand for election and continued service to our community."

Pate is a 32-year veteran of three accredited zoos, who joined the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in June of 2002. In 2006, he served as chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Accreditation Commission, and prior to that served on the Honors and Awards’ Committee. As 2006/2007 Chair of the Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (now named Visit Jacksonville), he worked with stakeholders in the region to promote conference and tourism growth. Pate holds a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and a M.S. degree from Northeastern Illinois University.