VanAcker Named CEO of Detroit Zoological Society

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has appointed Gerry VanAcker to the position of Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for park operations, security, landscape, maintenance, guest relations and human resources.

VanAcker joins the DZS with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently, he served as General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Livonia and, prior to that, owned and managed five Au Bon Pain Café bakeries in Metro Detroit. He has also held positions as Director of Catering Sales for the Marriott at the Detroit Renaissance Center, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Detroit and Resident Manager and Director of Human Resources at The Dearborn Inn.

“We are delighted to have such a seasoned and successful Chief Operating Officer join our talented team,” said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director/CEO.

VanAcker earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University.

Celebrating its 100th year, the Detroit Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak, Mich. The Detroit Zoo is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day (with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day after Labor Day through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. Admission is $12 for adults 15 to 61, $10 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $8 for children 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free). The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round; admission is free. For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.

Source: