With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, Bert Vescolani, who took over the helm of Denver Zoo in September 2018, has held numerous leadership positions within scientific and zoological institutions. At Denver Zoo, he leads more than 400 employees and 600 volunteers, oversees the care and management of more than 4,000 animals representing 600 species, and is responsible for the continued improvement, progression and evolution of Colorado’s most-visited cultural destination. Before joining Denver Zoo, Vescolani served for seven years as president & CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center, where he oversaw the construction and renovation of 68,000 square feet of exhibits—the largest exhibit expansion in its 30-year history—and led fundraising efforts focused on capital projects. As a result, attendance grew by 11 percent, and the institution achieved record guest satisfaction and Net Promoter scores under his watch. Prior to his role at the Saint Louis Science Center, Vescolani served for six years as director of the John Ball Zoological Gardens in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he successfully reengaged the community and garnered support and participation in the planning and approval of a $100 million master plan. He also led the planning, building and renovating of new and existing animal exhibits, infrastructure and attractions, including a $4.1 million lion exhibit, zip line and ropes course, and front entrance plaza. A self-described “educator at heart,” Vescolani broke into the zoo and aquarium industry in 1991 as curator of education at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where he worked his way up the ranks over the course of 14 years, eventually reaching the position of senior vice president of aquarium collection and education. In that role he provided new direction and leadership for educational efforts and the aquarium collection, developed new initiatives to facilitate more programming and created and led the development of an institutional training and professional development program for all employee and volunteers. Vescolani received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Michigan State University, and completed graduate course work in biology/zoology at Western Illinois University.
With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, Bert Vescolani, who took over the helm of Denver Zoo in September 2018, has held numerous leadership positions within scientific and zoological institutions. At Denver Zoo, he leads more than 400 employees and 600 volunteers, oversees the care and management of more than 4,000 animals representing 600 species, and is responsible for the continued improvement, progression and evolution of Colorado’s most-visited cultural destination.
Before joining Denver Zoo, Vescolani served for seven years as president & CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center, where he oversaw the construction and renovation of 68,000 square feet of exhibits—the largest exhibit expansion in its 30-year history—and led fundraising efforts focused on capital projects. As a result, attendance grew by 11 percent, and the institution achieved record guest satisfaction and Net Promoter scores under his watch.
Prior to his role at the Saint Louis Science Center, Vescolani served for six years as director of the John Ball Zoological Gardens in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he successfully reengaged the community and garnered support and participation in the planning and approval of a $100 million master plan. He also led the planning, building and renovating of new and existing animal exhibits, infrastructure and attractions, including a $4.1 million lion exhibit, zip line and ropes course, and front entrance plaza.
A self-described “educator at heart,” Vescolani broke into the zoo and aquarium industry in 1991 as curator of education at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where he worked his way up the ranks over the course of 14 years, eventually reaching the position of senior vice president of aquarium collection and education. In that role he provided new direction and leadership for educational efforts and the aquarium collection, developed new initiatives to facilitate more programming and created and led the development of an institutional training and professional development program for all employee and volunteers.
Vescolani received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Michigan State University, and completed graduate course work in biology/zoology at Western Illinois University.
On the Menu:
(To be ordered after seating)
FIRST COURSE
Classic Caesar Salad
SECOND COURSE
Atlantic Salmon Fillet with roasted red pepper sauce
Chicken Parmigiana
Filet Mignon Medallions with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, green beans and classic bordelaise sauce
FAMILY-STYLE SIDE
Whipped Potatoes
Green Beans aglio e olio
THIRD COURSE
New York Style Cheesecake
Beverage – Ice Tea, Water, Coffee