omaha zoo board of directors

We will continue to be involved in education and good ideas for Omaha, said Calvin Sisson, president and CEO of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation. The new sea lion exhibit opened Friday at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Pate has also served as Chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Board of Directors, AZA Accreditation Commission, and is currently serving on the Dian Fossey Board of Directors. Founded in 1984, the Omaha Zoo Foundation supports the mission, research and programs benefitting Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The Union Pacific Engine House for the Omaha Zoo Railroad was completed. To ensure a growing, vibrant Zoo for future generations, it is our priority to build a solid philanthropic foundation for Omahas community treasure. Gateway to the Wild was included in Phase 1 of the Master Plan. Other major projects included the main entrance and ticketing area, along with the Scott Aquarium renovation. Cherica joined the Omaha Zoo Foundation in June of 2007 as the Director of Development. Our open and inclusive platform amplifies the needs of the entire nonprofit community giving all organizations a chance to be . Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. And from the start, Scott has been Heritages unquestioned leader. But even a scaled-back plan for a $136 million outpatient clinic couldnt get funded. Construction on the African Grasslands, the largest project to date, continues. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway continues to grow, with 389,000 employees in all its various subsidiaries. Need the ability to download nonprofit data and more advanced search options? Visitors are welcomed by a grand sea arch, which is the largest single piece of rock work in the entire Zoo, and are "transported" to thePacific Northwest coast. Valmont started in Valley, Nebraska, in 1946, as a farm irrigation equipment manufacturer. Employee trend:19,300 employees consolidated into Bass Pro Shops, or laid off. A videoboard was installed above Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's main entrance redemption gate. What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback? The temporary interactive exhibit featured 15 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, two of which could be controlled by Zoo visitors. Then through some last-minute maneuvering, it broke through the partisan gridlock and passed during the waning moments of the 114th Congress. The Walter and Suzanne Scott Kingdoms of the Seas Aquarium opened and the Zoo had more than 1.6 million visitors. A new permanent home for Stingrays at Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium opened at the beginning of April. Omahas Zoo Railroad made its inaugural run in July. As an example of relative foundation size, the well-known Rockefeller Foundation in 2018 was the nations 15th largest, with assets of $3.9 billion. There may not be another organization quite like it anywhere in the country. 2004 August 16, 2022 - Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Luis Padilla as the new president and chief executive officer of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Morris said it was an emotional meeting for her, as it was also her last as Heritages president. 1963 Compared to other states, Nebraska has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. As the situation changed and decisions were made about reopening and events, the Zoo posted updates on a dedicated Zoo webpage and through social media. But when Scott and Heritage decided the arena was an amenity the city had to have, they pledged $75 million in private money. 2010 Throughout the 1990s, for example, Omaha had been engaged in a lengthy public debate over building a new convention center and arena. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Output - describing our activities and reach. Dr. Padilla is currently the Vice President of Animal Collections for the Saint Louis Zoo, where he is responsible for the overall oversight of the Saint Louis Zoos Animal Division, including the animal collection, facilities and the animal care teams. Omaha, NE 68107 USA. Expedition Madagascar, featuring the only lemur walkway, opened to the public on May 7, 2010. Help us get you more of the nonprofit information you need, including: An email has been sent to the address you provided. Dinosaurs Alive! Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and Danielle Conrad of. McDonald was receptive to the idea. Board of Directors, AZA Accreditation Commission, and is . The first significant land purchases were completed by the city of Omaha in February 1895 and turned over to the Park Commissioners for improvements. Because of those humble beginnings, material things never really mattered to her, her daughter said. His background as a veterinarian ensures that the highest quality of care for Omahas animals and their habitats will remain a top priority and commitment., Dr. Padilla added, I, like everyone in the zoo community, am familiar with the stellar reputation of Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the revolutionary projects Dennis Pate has completed. He continued, I am looking forward to working with Dennis on a smooth leadership transition and building on his legacy.. 2015 The new diet kitchen and educational classrooms were completed. The Darrald Harsh Wildlife Education Center opened in the spring at Wildlife Safari Park as a home base for all education programming. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium held Ghouls and Glow, a fun and not-so-frightening Halloween event for all ages. One board Scott said he wont be leaving is the Omaha zoos. He also completed his residency in zoological medicine at the Saint Louis Zoo and is a board-certified zoo veterinarian under the American College of Zoological Medicine. 2012 And Omaha and the whole state have benefited.. We make it easy to find local nonprofits and engage with them how you choose. Gary Meyer, Equipment Manager. The updated Red Barn Park area was completed with the new Prehistoric Play Park and Fossil Dig site. Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Over the last 40 years, nearly $400 million has been raised to build state-of-the-art animal, visitor, and medical/research facilities. It is special to make that happen through innovation, creativity and science.". End of conversation.. Walter Scott Jr. was a private, pompless man whose low public profile belied his considerable influence on Omaha's civic affairs. The Desert Dome, the worlds largest indoor desert, opened to over 1.5 million visitors. The Zoo received two AAZPA awards: the Conservation Award for its black-footed ferret management program and the Significant Achievement Award for the Lied Jungle. 1996 1977 Union Pacific continues to be acorporate jewel for Omaha. Bring on the next one.. Sign in. The ribbon was cut by John Boyer, president, Omaha Zoological Society Board of Directors; Steve Rosenblatt; Jack Diesing Jr., chairman/president, College World Series of Omaha Inc.; Gov. At times, thats opened Scott up to questions and criticism. As Creative Director at Bozell, I led and oversaw integrated creative thinking for several of the agencys regional . The Zoo also makes way for a new Alaska exhibit. Gretchen is an approximately 60-pound, 5-year-old female cheetah born at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. As the co-founder of Heritage Services and its leader for all 30-plus years of its existence, Walter Scott has had an outsized hand in more than $1 billion in major facility projects in his hometown. 1994 2019 Scott listed the VA project as the best accomplished to date by Heritage. The Lozier Giant Screen Theater reopened to the public in March after a renovation, which included a new projection system, screen, sound system, seats, flooring and lighting. Shes bowing out with Scott. The Walter Scott Family Foundation lists over $1 billion in assets. Register now. Walter Scott has four children, two stepchildren and many grandchildren. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium opened Childrens Adventure Trails in June 2017. As the company has grown and diversified, it established its headquarters in Omaha. Many Omahans barely know of the billionaire businessman beyond seeing his name on the face of building projects hes supported the University of Nebraska at Omaha named its entire Aksarben campus after him. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium closed to the public on March 16 based on the announcement of the states first case of community spread and Nebraskas publication of guidance on events and public gatherings. Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc. In August, Hubbard Gorilla Valley reopened with an updated African Jungle theme and enhancements that reflect the immersive and educational style of Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. 1968 Expected completion of the sloth bear, tiger, snow leopard, takin, Yeti Camp and Kids Discovery Trail is summer 2019. The giraffe and hoofstock complex opened. He talks about the vision and gets everyone quite interested in it, and then hes able to see what needs to be done, focus on it and execute it. Everyone moved forward together.. The private dollars were raised, and construction began in spring 2018. Skyfari, an aerial tram opened to the public. We are hyperconscious of our responsibility to develop projects in an ethical manner and to be good stewards of donor money, Scott said. 1897 (Currently, this is the construction site for Carousel Plaza.). A considerable amount of time has been spent on the experience Zoo guests will encounter. Pate, who joined the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in 2009, was elected to the position last October. In the end, they decided there was already much scholarship money available in Omaha. The Birthday House, a building for childrens birthday parties and education classes opened. The maintenance building and haybarn were relocated to the northeast area of the Zoo. In 2016 Pate was instrumental in bringing elephants back to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, which has led to two elephant calves born this year. The conservative, business-minded Scott did not trust government to efficiently operate and maintain the facilities. Click here for more information. Forbes currently lists the Scott family as the worlds 401st richest, with assets of some $5 billion. Who are the people you serve with your mission? How does this organization measure their results? Lozier IMAX 3D Theater opened. We noticed a significant increase in donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why the 2020 number is higher. Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? There was a problem saving your notification. Construction began on the world's largest Desert Dome. Sue Morris, who as longtime president and chief executive of Heritage has had primary day-to-day oversight over its projects, says Heritage always looks to maximize donor investments by negotiating to pay as little as possible for construction and other services. Friends of the Zoo, a volunteer Board of Directors, oversee operations of the Zoo. In light of continuing coronavirus concerns, organizers decided the best course of action was to cancel the event altogether. Rosenblatt Stadium's media tower was installed at Wildlife Safari Park. With Ashford carrying the bill in the House and Republican Sen. Deb Fischer leading the push in the Senate, the Omaha VA measure moved through the process. Dairy World, featuring a childrens petting zoo, educational exhibits and concession area, opened. Nov 2017 - Jan 20224 years 3 months. ), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded. He said he continues to have a passion for the Omaha institution hes been associated with for more than half a century, saying he plans to remain on the board indefinitely.. We are so grateful for his inspiration and leadership., Bay continued, Our challenge was to find someone who could build on the legacy of Dennis Pate. We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback. That was in part due to the fact the VAs limited annual construction budget was being sucked up by other ongoing projects around the country, including a hospital in Denver that took 14 years to build and cost $1.4 billion more than it was supposed to. Tina Cherica is an Executive Director at Omaha Zoo Foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska. He also supports scholarships through his college alma mater, Colorado State, as well as Creighton and the Horatio Alger Association. Construction began on Glacier Bay Landing, an Alaskan village located near Alaskan Adventure and the North Entrance, and Owen Sea Lion Shores. Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. The result of the conversation was the incorporation of what the men named the Heritage Joslyn Foundation, with Scott as its leader. 2005 On March 3, Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced the Zoos 125th year anniversary celebration. Its 12-member board came to be composed of Omahas most prominent and powerful philanthropists, enabling them to leverage their political clout, business acumen and dollars to do still bigger things in Omaha. Two Harbor Seals joined the Sea Lions at Owen Sea Lion Shores in May. He doesnt come in and hammer the table, said Mike Yanney, an Omaha financier who served with Scott for decades on the Heritage board. Simmons Plaza, near the main entrance, was completed. The Master Plan, which was developed in June 2010, is the culmination of many months of work. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium President and CEO, Dennis Pate, has announced his intention to retire early next year after 47 years working in zoos, 13 of those years in Omaha. By 1901, the zoo featured native stone quarters for bears as well as pastures for deer, elk and buffalo. 1920s Click on the link in that email ACZM succeeds Dennis Pate, who will. As the Zoo continues to grow, so does the continuous need to maintain and improve roads, pathways, utilities and other building support. The Omaha Zoological Society was reorganized to plan, construct, operate and maintain the Zoo for the city as a non-profit organization. Over the years, most Heritage projects have been geared toward improving the quality of life in Omaha, and thats no accident. Construction began on the Lozier IMAX Theater. Ola M. Anderson devoted her life to helping others. Former congressman Brad Ashford says the most critical step in the development of Omahas new medical clinic for veterans wasnt when the VA secretary endorsed it. Learn more (Renovations to the Theater occurred in 2018, and it is now called the Lozier Giant Screen Theater.). Dennis Pate, the executive director and CEO of Omaha's Zoo, has been sworn in as the new chair of the board of directors for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Obama signed it in December 2016. This digital means of communication promotes new exhibits, events and other Zoo news using static images and videos. So what will the recent changes mean to Heritage and to the city that the retired Kiewit construction executive has literally helped build? And while Scott will be playing a less direct role in shaping Omahas future, its not likely there will be any curtailment in the personal charitable giving of the man whose family wealth Forbes recently pegged at $5 billion. This will be located adjacent to the existing carousel area on the site formally occupied by bears, swan valley and points north. Scott rarely reveals the amount of his charitable contributions or even acknowledges giving to a project. The exhibit was a big draw for the more than 32,000 people who , Until now, the vast majority of the deadly outbreaks have never been publicly disclosed. about GuideStar Pro. Capital Expansion - OZF raises funds for major new capital projects, as well as renovations to existing facilities to ensure Omahas Zoo remains an outstanding organization. Email contact available with a Pro subscription, Fundraising contact phone: (402) 738-2073, Legal name of organization: Omaha Zoo Foundation, Fund Raising and/or Fund Distribution (D12). Former Interim President/Executive Director, Omaha Sports Commission. New sea lion exhibit surrounding a North American coastal-themed childrens splash zone and play area. Those projects have helped transform the city, said Paul Landow, the chief of staff to former Mayor Mike Fahey, who worked with Scott and Heritage on the ballpark and arts projects. Over time, the Heritage board would become a kind of unofficial board of directors for the city. The locally grown TD Ameritrade is being sold to the Charles Schwab Corp. TD Ameritrade has had a growing presence in Omaha, with its new Old Mill-area headquarters and corporate sponsorship of TD Ameritrade Park. The exhibit, located by the Owen Sea Lion Pavilion, was open from Memorial Day through fall 2013. 1988 Other pieces of the master plan included the Scott African Grasslands, Scott Alaskan Adventure Splashgrounds, Bay Family Childrens Adventure Trails, Harper Event Center, Asian Highlands, and Owen Sea Lion Shores. In 1986, West started in Omaha as a telemarketer and diversified into a telecommunications service company over the years. And a Government Accountability Office report found that the private sector design review method reduced the construction timeline by more than four months. The Omaha Zoo Foundation supports the mission, research and programs benefitting Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Omaha Zoo Foundations efforts are focused on the following three funding programs: I. Endowment - OZF is responsible for building and managing an endowment to secure the future of Omahas Zoo. People were encouraged to visit the Zoos social media channels for content to educate and entertain, and opportunities to virtually visit the Zoo. The Warren Buffett diet is not doctor-recommended, but as the Omaha billionaire turns 90 he shows little sign of slowing down at Berkshire Hathaway. The desire to spend more time with family has been a bigger factor than his health in his decision to wind down his involvement with Heritage and other boards, he said. New cat cages were donated by Gould Dietz. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Dennis Pate announced his intention to retire this past February after 48 years working in zoos, 14 of those years in Omaha. Creighton University basketball became a hot ticket. I was assistant Director of the Omaha Marathon for 2 years and Director for 8 years. The new North Entrance Plaza was completed featuring a new gift shop, warehouse, entrance plaza and visitor gazebo. 2016 We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc. Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to all of Madagascar's remaining lemur species. Owen Swan Valley and the Primate Research Building were completed. The worlds first artificially-inseminated gaur calf was born at the Zoo. But would you be willing to meet with the president?. Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Very frankly, what he said went, not because he was bullying or ran roughshod over people, but because people so deeply respected him, Landow said. Follow him on Twitter @HenryCordes. Dennis Pate, the executive director and CEO of Omahas Zoo, has been sworn in as the new chair of the board of directors for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. New exhibits and other improvements were made to support the growing number of animals in the park. In July, the Lee G. Simmons Aviary reopened with an elevated and on ground boardwalk and a special section dedicated to flamingo viewing, along with an indoor, nearly 1,000-square-foot flamingo shelter. After going public, the Sidney-based outdoors retailer entered a tumultuous period when a New York hedge fund bought into the company. At age 89, Scott said his health is better than should be expected. His mother died of a heart attack at age 69. He said the foundations board will respect his longtime interests but also be flexible to meet the communitys future needs. Asian Highlands opened in its entirety in the spring and debuted exhibits for snow leopard, sloth bear, Sichuan takin, Chinese goral and Amur tiger, as well as Yeti Camp, which featured new restrooms, a themed concessions area and seasonal gift shop. Employee trend: Grew by 3,412, before the coming job losses and sale to Schwab. Phone: 402-444-1130. He said McCarthy, his successor as chairman, is an entrepreneurial leader who is thoughtful and knows how dollars can do the most good in Omaha.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Given Scotts ultimate plan to put nearly all his personal assets into philanthropy, Scott has the potential to create one of the nations largest charitable foundations. Even as it cuts employees, Union Pacific's annual profits have grown from nearly $5.2 billion in 2015 to just short of $6 billion in 2019, according to Fortune. But a World-Herald examination of foundation tax records shows his charitable grants since 2001 alone have exceeded $500 million. History In 1907, a dream began. His second wife, Suzanne, died in 2013. 1986 Pate joined Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium as the President and CEO in 2009 and has maintained the state's top accolade as Nebraska's most visited attraction. The newly renovated Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium opened on April 5, 2012. She oversaw the planning, strategy and implementation of the Annual Fund program, Corporate Giving program, Lion's Pride Patron Membership program and special events. Its our forte.. 1965 What can we do to make Omaha the most attractive city in its class? He said he doesnt know if theres ever been a civic leader in Omaha quite like Scott. 1895 Previously, Pate served on the board of directors executive committee, also spending time with committees for accreditation (chair), honors and awards and nominating. Pate, CEO and executive director of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, was elected Tuesday at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums membership meeting in Silver Spring, Md. During the summer, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium undergoes renovations. New cat and bear exhibits were built by WPA. Scott and the other Heritage leaders are concerned about making Omaha an appealing place to live so it can attract the workforce it needs to compete, grow and thrive. Frequent antigen testing aims to help Nebraska nursing homes prevent or contain coronavirus outbreaks. Try a low commitment monthly plan today. But there would also be upfront costs. Other cities are now looking at utilizing the same legislation and model. Correction: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling of Jeffrey Gold's first name. Please direct your email correspondence to the Board Chair at: [email protected] About Staff Board of Directors Executive Committee Joe Gerstandt, Chair Rick MacInnes, First Vice Chair If estimates of his familys wealth are accurate, that could one day make the Walter Scott Family Foundation one of the largest charitable foundations in the country. Over 400 larger-than-life lanterns, custom-made for the Zoo, illuminated the Bay Familys Childrens Adventure Trails. Ashford reached out to a Heritage Services board member he knew and soon found himself at a breakfast meeting at Omahas downtown Hilton with Scott, Yanney and McCarthy. At age 89, Scott has been pulling back from a number of board commitments to devote more time to family and to his familys charitable foundation. Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out? Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Omaha zoo CEO sworn in as chair of global organization's board of directors. Recent infrastructure projects include: Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium Renovations, Aquarium Conference Center at the Scott Aquarium. Ashford said it took almost no time for Scott to say he was all in on the project. Dr. Padilla will succeed Dennis Pate after his retirement in late 2022. As of November 2021, the endowment and investment funds are valued at $118 million. 2008 Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Zoo hosted a traveling white alligator exhibit. Stone cages set into the hillside displayed mountain lions, foxes, coyotes and badgers. UNO leased 27 acres of its campus to donors for $10 a year. In July, the Zoo welcomed its one millionth visitor. No county in Nebraska has been hit as hard by the coronavirus as Dakota County. ), Paper surveys, Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Suggestion box/email. Timu, the worlds first test-tube gorilla moved to Omahas Zoo. A new main entrance at the south end of the parking lot was opened. "She was absolutely amazing," former Omaha Mayor Mike Boyle said.