Denise M. Verret

Denise M. Verret, CEO and director of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, was sworn in as an elected member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Board of Directors on Sept. 10 for a three-year term.

The AZA Board of Directors is comprised of a chair, three executive officers and nine board members. They are involved in every aspect of the national organization, including accreditation, ethics, animal welfare and conservation. Each year, AZA accredited facilities contribute $230 million to conservation projects that help protect species across the world. The zoos and other facilities serve more than 195 million visitors, welcome more than 12 million students on education field trips, contribute $22.5 billion to the U.S. economy and support 208,000 jobs.

“I’m deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve the membership in this capacity as we continue our work to save wildlife from extinction and maximize our collective impact,” Verret said. “The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and its member organizations are the trusted source for animal welfare and conservation and achieve the highest standards of excellence. I am proud to represent the Los Angeles Zoo in this national leadership role.”

Verret’s election to the AZA board comes shortly after her confirmation on June 28 by the Los Angeles City Council as the L.A. Zoo’s chief executive officer and director. Verret currently oversees the well-being of more than 1,400 animals and nearly two million visitors each year while leading the zoo’s efforts in conservation. The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive. For information, call (323)644-4200, or visit lazoo.org.