Zoo Board of Governors

Created by Ordinance No. 17927-X, passed by the Little Rock City Board of Directors on January 26, 1999, and clarified with the Amended Ordinance No. 17,949 passed on March 2,1999, the Little Rock Zoo Board of Governors reviews, consults and advises the City on matters concerning the operation and maintenance of the Little Rock Zoo. The Board’s authority and duties include consulting with and advising the Director of the Zoo and recommending policies and plans for the operation, maintenance or expansion of Zoo facilities and programs to the City. The Board consults with and advises the Director of the Zoo annually to determine the financial needs for the Zoo and to report the budget needs for the next year to the City Manager for inclusion in the City’s Budget.  The Board authorizes the expenditure of monies donated to the City for the use and benefit of the Zoo Department and has all authority, subordinate to that of the Little Rock City Board of Directors or City Manager, to operate and improve the Little Rock Zoo.

AUTHORITY:
Ordinance No. 17,927-X, passed by the Little Rock City Board of Directors, January 26, 1999.  Amended Ordinance No. 17,949, passed on March 2, 1999, clarified membership to designate as a non-voting member; the City Manager shall be granted all rights and priveledges of Board Membership, including the right to attend executive sessions to discuss personnel matters.
TERM:
Three (3) Years
MEMBERS:
Nine (9)
DUTIES:
Reviews, consults and advises the Little Rock City Board of Directors on matters concerning the operation and maintenance or expansion of the Little Rock Zoo or its facilities. To interview applicants for the Zoo Director’s position, whenever a vacancy occurs. To consult with and advise the Zoo Director annually to determine the financial needs for the zoo.  To authorize the expenditure of monies donated to the City.
SELECTION:
The Little Rock City Board of Directors shall appoint all members. The Board shall consist of eight (8) At-Large members and one (1) City Director. (Note: City Manager serves as a non-voting member.)
MEETINGS:
Third Monday of Each Month
Zoo Administration Building Conference Room
# 1 Zoo Drive
4:00 PM

Current Members

Ginny Blankenship

vhblankenship@gmail.com

Shane Carter

Term Expires: 02-16-2026

Adrienne Collins

Christy Garrett

Term Expires: 02-16-2026

Cody Lorge

codylorge@uniti.com
Term Expires: 02-16-2027

Jeff Marcussen

jeffmarcussen1@gmail.com

Sharmin Moody

mzmoody1@gmail.com
Term Expires: 02-16-2026

 

For More Information

Susan Altrui, Director
Little Rock Zoo
1 Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR  72204
(501) 661-7208
saltrui@littlerock.gov
www.littlerockzoo.com