Leadership Overview
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, administrative management, and institutional legacy.
Committed to global conservation and educational excellence, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium advances wildlife protection while providing world-class recreational experiences for millions of annual visitors through its diverse park and aquarium facilities.
Committed to global conservation and educational excellence, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium advances wildlife protection while providing world-class recreational experiences for millions of annual visitors through its diverse park and aquarium facilities.
Leadership Roles at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Tom Schmid - President & Chief Executive Officer
Tom Schmid, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, directs the overarching strategic vision for this expansive 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Overseeing the welfare of over 9,000 animals across 675 species, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all conservation initiatives align with global biodiversity goals. Tom Schmid manages the complex integration of the zoo, the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park, and the Safari Golf Club to maintain high operational standards. By fostering partnerships with international conservation projects, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward its mission of environmental stewardship. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the Board to secure the 4-star Charity Navigator rating. Through rigorous oversight of the two million annual visitors, Schmid guarantees that every guest experience reflects the highest educational and recreational benchmarks while maintaining financial sustainability for the entire institution.
Thomas Stalf - President & Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Stalf, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, architects the long-term growth and infrastructure development necessary to support the organization's massive footprint. Focusing on the operational efficiency of the 18-hole Safari Golf Club and the broader recreational campus, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to maximize visitor engagement. Thomas Stalf manages the logistical complexities of maintaining a top-tier facility that hosts millions of guests annually. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the zoo remains a premier destination for education and family entertainment. This role involves balancing the demands of a large-scale hospitality operation with the strict requirements of animal care and conservation funding. Stalf drives the expansion of visitor amenities, ensuring that the facility remains competitive within the national landscape while upholding the nonprofit status and community trust essential to the organization.
Gerald Borin - President Emeritus
Gerald Borin, the President Emeritus at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, provides institutional wisdom and historical context to the current leadership team. Serving as a senior advisor, the President Emeritus supports the transition of strategic initiatives while maintaining the core values that established the zoo as the #1 destination in America. Gerald Borin facilitates high-level relationships with key stakeholders and donors, ensuring that the organization continues to fund over 70 conservation projects worldwide. By offering guidance on long-term institutional development, the President Emeritus helps the current executive team navigate the complexities of managing a large-scale, multi-faceted recreational and educational entity. This role involves mentoring emerging leaders and preserving the legacy of the zoo's commitment to animal welfare. Borin ensures that the organization remains true to its foundational mission while adapting to the evolving demands of modern wildlife conservation and public engagement in the North American market.
Angel Mumma - Chief Administrative Officer
Angel Mumma, the Chief Administrative Officer at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, manages the financial health and administrative infrastructure that supports the organization's $1 million annual commitment to global conservation. Overseeing the fiscal integrity of the nonprofit, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all departments operate within budgetary constraints while maintaining the prestigious 4-star Charity Navigator rating. Angel Mumma directs the administrative teams responsible for human resources, procurement, and internal compliance across the entire 22-acre campus and associated recreational facilities. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Administrative Officer provides the stability required for the zoo to focus on its core mission of wildlife education. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the executive team to align administrative support with the needs of the animal care staff. Mumma secures the long-term viability of the institution by optimizing revenue streams from the water park and golf operations.
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The Smithsonian Institution operates a major zoological facility dedicated to wildlife conservation and scientific research. The organization was established with an explicit mission to preserve endangered species and prevent their extinction, responding to ecological crises that threatened animal populations across the continent. Early conservation efforts focused on species facing severe population decline, with the facility initially housing a diverse collection of native mammals including bison, deer, foxes, prairie dogs, badgers, and lynx. From its inception, the Institution has maintained a commitment to scientific rigor and evidence-based practices. The organization's approach to animal care, breeding programs, and species management evolved alongside advances in zoological science and conservation biology. This integration of research with practical animal stewardship established a model that prioritized understanding animal behavior, genetics, and ecological needs rather than mere exhibition. Today, the Institution continues to operate as a major center for wildlife conservation, combining public education with active research programs. The facility maintains comprehensive collections while conducting field studies and collaborative conservation initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable species.
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