Birmingham Zoo Announces Changes to Board of Directors

The Birmingham Zoo is pleased to introduce two new members to the Board of Directors for the Zoo. The Board welcomes Mark Crosswhite, Chairman, President & CEO of Alabama Power, and Austin Davis, Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager of Wells Fargo. Crosswhite and Davis are filling two positions on the Board as Anna James and Robin Sparks Davis stepped down at the end of June.

The Zoo would like to thank James for her time spent as Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee and as Chair of the Master Planning Committee, and a total of 15 years serving on the Board. In addition, the Zoo would like to thank Sparks Davis for her time spent as Committee Chair of the Master Planning Committee which oversaw construction of the Trails of Africa exhibit, her time as Chair from 2013-2014 and her 12 years of serving the Zoo on the Board of Directors.

“The Zoo continues to excel in leadership, and we are most appreciative of all the community’s support,” says Wally Nall III, Birmingham Zoo Chair. “We want to further the Zoo’s mission to ‘Inspire Passion for the Natural World’.”

The Birmingham Zoo was recently identified as Alabama’s Top Tourist Attraction with over 576,000 visitors in 2015. It is the only Zoo in the state accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and has earned a 4-Star rating by Charity Navigator with an overall score of 95.91% and a 100% score for accountability and transparency.

“Crosswhite and Davis are joining the Board at an exciting time for the Birmingham Zoo. The Zoo has raised 93% of the funds needed for the Renew the Zoo Capital Campaign, which will bring a new Asian Passage exhibit, front entrance and event lawn. We are excited about the experience and expertise that Crosswhite and Davis will bring to the Birmingham Zoo Board of Directors,” says Dr. William Foster, Birmingham Zoo President and CEO.

For the press release, click here.