Newly appointed zoo officials include John Mostofi as Vice Chair of Finance, Mary Babson as Secretary and Tom McLeary as Vice Chair
Chicago, 2013-06-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Lincoln Park Zoo Board of Trustees announced the election of John Ettelson, the president and chief executive officer of William Blair & Company, as its new chairman at a full board meeting on Thurs. June 20. During the meeting, the zoo’s President & CEO Kevin Bell was presented with a city council proclamation by Alderman Michelle Smith recognizing Bell’s 20 years of leadership of the zoo.
Ettelson, who grew up in Lincoln Park, has been a member of the zoo’s
board for 10 years. “Lincoln Park Zoo is a true Chicago treasure, and I am
honored to serve in the role of chairman,” said Ettelson. “It remains the
remarkable place that I loved as a child and has evolved into a global leader
in conservation, education, and animal care.”
Ettelson has served the zoo in a variety of leadership roles including
chairing the Development Committee and serving on the Executive
Committee. He was Vice Chair of Finance for the past six years.
The president and chief executive officer of William Blair & Company,
Ettelson attended the Francis W. Parker School and Brown University
before earning his J.D. and M.B.A at University of Chicago. He lives in
Lincoln Park with his wife, Jeanne, and has two daughters.
“John Ettelson is committed to Lincoln Park Zoo and passionate about keeping it free and open to everyone 365 days a year,” said Bell. “I speak for the entire zoo family when I welcome him to his new role and know that we have a strong, bright future ahead of us with John at the helm.”
Ettelson succeeds departing chairman John Alexander, a keen conservationist during whose tenure the zoo created its award-winning Nature Boardwalk.
“John Alexander has been a dedicated supporter of Lincoln Park Zoo for three decades and has undoubtedly helped shape the zoo into the world-class institution it is today,” said Bell. “We are grateful for his contributions, particularly as chairman for the past three years, and look forward to continuing to work with him as a board member.”
The Lincoln Park Zoo Board of Trustees comprises 55 active and 18 life trustees and provides leadership and guidance as the zoo achieves its mission of highest quality animal care, conservation, research and education. The zoo also benefits from the involvement of its Women’s and Auxiliary Boards, which
provide supportive funds and service to The Lincoln Park Zoological Society and aid the Society in its efforts to improve Lincoln Park Zoo.
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Media Contacts:
Tiffany Ruddle Sharon Dewar
312-742-5791 312-742-5791
TRuddle@lpzoo.org SDewar@lpzoo.org
ABOUT CHICAGO’S LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The notfor-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call (312)742-2000 or visit
www.lpzoo.org.