Craig Piper

"Denver Zoo President and CEO Craig Piper has been elected to the board of VISIT DENVER. Piper brings a history of tourism and convention experience to the board, largely from his experience at Denver Zoo, the region’s top visited paid cultural attraction...

"Governed by a board of directors, VISIT DENVER is a private, nonprofit trade association that is responsible for marketing metro Denver as a convention and leisure destination. The organization employs a staff of more than 60 professionals.

"Piper began his career at Denver Zoo 13 years ago as the Director of Education & Volunteer Services. Holding a dual degree in Architecture and Zoology, Piper moved from the head of the Zoo’s Education Department to the newly created position of Vice President for Planning & Capital Projects in 2000. In 2005, Piper was again promoted to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. He became the President and CEO of Denver Zoo in 2007.

"During his tenure Piper has managed the design and construction of the Zoo’s Millennium Master Plan, including the award-winning Predator Ridge exhibit, new entrance, new parking garage, Congo Basin exhibit and the Conservation Carousel. Piper also oversaw the strategic development of the Education & Volunteer Services Department’s staff and programs, significantly expanding the breadth and scope of services provided.

"Piper is well known and respected in the zoo community and he is a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). He currently serves as Vice Chair for AZA’s Board of Regents and Vice Chair of AZA’s Board of Ethics. Previously, he has served as Chair, AZA Conference Committee (2005-2006); Chair, AZA Conference Management Committee (2002-2004); Member, AZA Trends Committee (2001-2004); Chair, AZA Regional Conference Task Force (1999-2002); Member, AZA Honors And Awards Committee (1999-2002); Member, AZA Public Education Committee (1988-1994); and Instructor, AZA Continuing Education Schools, “Creating Successful Exhibits” Course (2000-present). Piper also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of The National Elephant Center, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and conservation of elephants, and as a member of the board for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

"Piper holds a Bachelor of Science degree with studies in Architecture and Zoology from the University of Michigan, as well as a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in environmental design and museum planning and programming.

"Prior to joining Denver Zoo, Piper practiced his ambidextrous zoo/architecture skills at Zoo Atlanta as the Assistant Curator of Education, Exhibit Coordinator and Curator of Exhibits/Coordinator for Environmental Design Research. However, his first zoo positions began as internships, where in his early years he served as a volunteer and intern for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Detroit Zoo.

"Piper is married to Marilyn Donohoe Piper".