SAN ANTONIO – After a career of more than 20 years, San Antonio Executive Director J. Stephen McCusker will retire on Nov. 30.
Tim Morrow will assume the duties of executive director effective Dec. 1, becoming only the seventh executive director in the zoo's 100-year history.
McCusker's zoological career totals 44 years, with achievements including opening Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot, Africa Live!, Lory Landing, Gibbon Forrest, and most recently, Zootennial Plaza, which celebrates its 100th anniversary with a new restaurant and carousel.
In the last year, the zoo's board of directors, in collaboration with an executive search firm, worked to find the person who would lead the non-profit organization, attracting more than 140 applicants from throughout the U.S.
"Steve's emphasis on financial stability and good business practice not only allowed the zoo to continue its amazing animal care, but exponentially increased the zoo's conservation and education programs," said David S. Herrmann, the president of the board of directors of the San Antonio Zoological Society. "We are grateful to Steve for his years of leadership and service and wish him the very best in his retirement."
Morrow, whose career spans nearly 20 years with the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, is reportedly bringing demonstrated success in operations management and guest service, as well as a love for animals.
Morrow's experience dates back to participating in the opening team at Fiesta Texas, where he joined the management team for four years before joining SeaWorld San Antonio, and most recently serving as vice president of Sea World Aquatic in San Antonio.
"The selection committee is confident in Tim's vision to take the San Antonio Zoo to new heights, passionately implementing the zoo's mission to foster appreciation and concern for all living things, and attain the zoo's animal care, education and conservation goals," said Herrmann.
Morrow grew up in San Antonio, graduating from both San Antonio College and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Morrow said he looks forward to leading the fantastic team of managers and staff to guide and inspire them as the San Antonio Zoo rises to an even higher level of achievement in the next 100 years.