When Lisa Keith started working as a keeper at the David Traylor Zoo 17 years ago, she hardly expected to end up in the zoo’s top job. But since then, she’s worked hard enough to do just that.
After serving almost a year as the zoo’s interim director, Keith was named on Friday to be the new director, taking over from Steve Trebilcock, who resigned last June.
The announcement came as a surprise to Keith.
“I didn’t expect it,” she said. “It was really a surprise.”
Keith said she wanted the director’s position, but she fully expected to have to go through the application process and compete with others for the job. Since Friday’s announcement, she’s been fielding congratulations from friends and patrons of the zoo.
Keith started working at the zoo in July of 1992, and she said she wasn’t sure at the time if she was qualified for the job. Since then, she’s proven to be a capable and knowledgeable steward of the zoo’s resources.
“I started as a zoo keeper, and I’ve been here ever since,” she said. “I kind of just worked my way up through the ranks.”
In addition to serving as zoo director, Keith also is performing the duties of animal collection manager until she can hire someone else to do that job.
Keith said she had the benefit of working under David Traylor when he was zoo director, calling him a memorable mentor. Only half-joking, Keith said she set her sights on the director’s job when Traylor still worked there.
“One time David asked me what my dream job is,” Keith said. “I told him I wanted his job.”
To make her success possible, Keith credits the support she has received from others.
“I would never have been able to do any of this without the support of the wonderful staff and the Friends of the Zoo,” she said. “I’m really thankful for their hard work and support.”
Keith has seen many changes at the zoo during her time there, and says one of the highlights of her tenure as interim director was the opening of a new path with more exhibits. Also new have been the Stroll at the Zoo events, one of which took place Friday evening just after the announcement of her promotion.
Keith said for the future she plans to continue to help the zoo grow, although she cautioned that it must be able to sustain its growth. Moving forward, she said she wanted to continue the zoo’s mission of conservation, education and recreation.
To help advance this mission, Keith pointed out that June is Zoo Month and the Friends of the Zoo open house is coming up from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 28.
For more information on this and other zoo events, call the zoo at 341-4365.
history_nerd (anonymous) says...
I think this is a wonderful decision. I really enjoy the walkway around the zoo and it's so nice to see more exhibits opening up. Good job, Lisa! Can't wait to see what else you can do!
June 10, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )