Zoo Knoxville Appoints Bill Street as New CEO to Lead Conservation and Community Engagement Initiatives

Zoo Knoxville Welcomes Bill Street as New CEO

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville has announced that Bill Street will be stepping in as the new president and chief executive officer, following a lengthy search that attracted candidates from across the nation. Street, currently based in Indianapolis, is set to start his new role on August 26, 2024.

The zoo made the announcement on Friday, sharing that Street has a wealth of experience in various relevant fields, including zoology, education, conservation, and managing attractions. He brings over 30 years of expertise to the role, having worked at notable organizations such as SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

Successor of Lisa New

Street will be taking over from Lisa New, who held the position from 2013 until 2023. Under her leadership, Zoo Knoxville has made significant strides in animal care, educational initiatives, and overall visitor experiences.

Commitment to Conservation

In his statement, Street expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. “Zoo Knoxville has an international reputation as a leader in conservation and animal care, in addition to being recognized for excellence in education and providing dynamic experiences,” he explained. He noted that the zoo has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past decade and looks forward to continuing that positive trajectory.

Street emphasized the importance of fostering a strong connection between the community and the zoo, stating, “Being entrusted with this crown jewel of the community is a great privilege and responsibility.” He is eager to collaborate with the talented staff and visionary board to inspire visitors to take action toward wildlife conservation.

Board of Directors’ Vote

The decision to appoint Street was a unanimous choice made by the Board of Directors of Zoo Knoxville. Chairman Russ Watkins mentioned that Street’s experience in leading various initiatives made him an ideal candidate for the role. “We know he will successfully unite Zoo Knoxville’s momentum with his vision to continue to build and expand community partnerships and our conservation impact,” Watkins stated, voicing his excitement about welcoming him to Knoxville.

A Bright Future Ahead

The transition comes at a crucial time for Zoo Knoxville, as the organization builds upon its legacy in both conservation efforts and educational programming. The local community is known for its strong support of the zoo, and many are looking forward to seeing how Street may further enrich these partnerships and initiatives.

As Street prepares to embark on this new chapter, Zoo Knoxville stands poised for further growth and outreach in the realm of animal care, education, and conservation within the East Tennessee community.