BREAKING

Memphis Zoo taps native Memphian as new president, CEO

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Jim Dean has been elected to serve as the Memphis Zoo's president and CEO, the zoo announced Wednesday.

Dean, who was born in Memphis but moved for his career in tourism and attractions, will step into his new position with the zoo on April 29, after he and his wife relocate to Memphis.

Jim Dean, a veteran of the tourism and attractions industry, is returning to his hometown to serve as the new president and CEO of the Memphis Zoo.

Dean will replace the zoo's current president, Chuck Brady, who has served as the zoo's president for the last 15 years. Brady's retirement from the zoo was announced in November 2018.

That's a wrap:Memphis Zoo CEO retires after 38 years

Chuck Brady, Memphis Zoo CEO and President of 38 years retired on Friday.

According to the release from the zoo, Dean spent the last 30 years working at major tourist attractions around the country, including Sea World and Busch Gardens.

“I am excited to be returning to Memphis after more than 30 years away, and especially excited to be joining a world-renowned tourist attraction like our Memphis Zoo,” Dean said in a statement.

The chair of the zoo's board, Thomas Farnsworth, said Dean's appointment to president will help the institution — already one of the top-ranked zoos in the United States —advance to the next level.

"With Jim’s background and vision, and building upon the work done by Chuck Brady, the future of the zoo is very bright," Farnsworth said.