Five Questions With: Jeremy Goodman

"Zoos have a seasonal cycle and it is important to fully understand how a complex operation works before making any dramatic changes."

Jeremy Goodman, who has more than 15 years experience as a zoo veterinarian, has been named as the new executive director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Society and will begin his position July 1.
Goodman previously was assistant director and director at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, N.J. where he oversaw 23 construction projects totaling $45 million including animal exhibits, concessions, attractions, and administration projects.

PBN: Why is now the right time for you to make a move from New Jersey to Providence?
GOODMAN:
After almost 10 years in New Jersey, I was able to accomplish quite a bit in transforming a small, nonaccredited county zoo into an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited premier attraction in the state. I feel like I Have Turtle Back Zoo in a great position to continue to thrive and I was ready for a new challenge in leading a historic and well respected institution into the future. The allure of doing this is in the Northeast near my family was too good of an opportunity to pass on.

PBN: What attracted you to Roger Williams Zoo?
GOODMAN:
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is has a longstanding excellent reputation. Their beautiful grounds, fascinating animal collection and world-renowned conservation program coupled with a dedicated staff made this position extremely attractive to me. The fact that the zoo is located in a Northern climate was also attractive as my last two positions had similar challenges and I am quite familiar with addressing those types of issues.

PBN: What will be your top priority during your first year?
GOODMAN:
I foresee my first year as a time for assessment and planning. Zoos have a seasonal cycle and it is important to fully understand how a complex operation works before making any dramatic changes. Of course, any issues needing immediate attention will be addressed in a timely manner. Over my first year and throughout my tenure I will be meeting regularly with the public to find out what they like or dislike about our zoo and working to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. This will part of our master planning process along with input from our staff, city officials, board of directors, donors, and numerous other parties to create one of the top zoos in the city.

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PBN: Is there any one area of programming you’ll focus more on – events, education, etc.?
GOODMAN:
To start, guest safety, customer service and animal welfare are always top priorities and I will make sure there is no compromising in these areas. I would also like to focus on the guest experience and offer our visitors more to do while inside our gates. This will create longer stay times, additional generation of revenue and an overall improved visitor experience. Of course we will do these things while continuing to offer and expand our excellent education and conservation programs.

PBN: Where do you see the zoo in five years?
GOODMAN:
I envision that we will be well under way with phase one of a new and exciting master plan. There will be a tremendous amount of excitement about our facility that will be reflected in increased attendance and revenue records. There will be a large influx of community support in the region that will continue to propel us to accomplish great things and further position us as a national leader in the fields of animal care, education, research, and conservation.

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