Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee

Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee

Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee


Functions of the Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee:


The purpose of the Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee was to assist the Forest Preserve Executive Committee & Commission with the implementation of the approved November 2015 Updated Strategic Action Plan for Niabi Zoo through advisement and recommendation. 

The Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee assisted the Forest Preserve Commission through recommendation in the following:


  • hiring of marketing partner to expand and educate the community on the Zoo's purpose and mission.
  • assisted in the selection process for new leadership with the hiring of Zoo Director, Lee Jackson, after a nationwide search.
  • drafted the documents and structure of the current Community Advisory Board.
  • identifing capital improvements for operational stability and enhancing the visitor experience.
  • aligned the management structure of the Zoo to those of similar modern zoological institutions.
  • increased public confidence in the management and governance of the Zoo.
  • provided additional fiscal oversight and recommendations for operational efficiencies.
  • developed greater awareness of the Zoo's role in the community and the need to support.
  • positioned the Zoo for future growth and development. 


Upon the approval of the Resolution by the Forest Preserve Commission in July of 2017 to create the Community Advisory Board the Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee was dissolved. The Forest Preserve Commission extends a sincere Thank You to those who selflessly served on the Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee.

Members of the Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee
Lee Jackson Terry Brahm
Michael Byrne Joe Taylor
Jarrett Thomas William Nelson
Jeffrey Craver
Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee Meetings for 2015
November 23, 2015 December 21, 2015
December 8, 2015
Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee Meetings for 2016
January 12, 2016 May 10, 2016
January 26, 2016 June 8, 2016
February 4, 2016 July 25, 2016 - Two Meetings
February 16, 2016 August 8, 2016
February 23, 2016 August 29, 2016
February 25, 2016 - Trip to Columbus Zoo September 13, 2016
March 8, 2016 October 17, 2016
March 17, 2016 November 14, 2016
April 12, 2016 December 12, 2016
Niabi Zoo Oversight Committee Meetings for 2017
January 9, 2017 May 8, 2017
February 13, 2017 June 12, 2017
March 13, 2017 July 10, 2017
April 10, 2017

Niabi Zoo Oversight Agendas & Minutes 2017

Date: Time: Agenda: Minutes:
January 9, 2017 4:00 PM ANZOC010917 MNZOC010917
February 13, 2017 4:00 PM ANZOC021317 MNZOC021317
March 13, 2017 4:00 PM ANZOC031317 MNZOC031317
April 10, 2017 5:00 PM ANZOC041017 MNZOC041017
May 8, 2017 5:00 PM ANZOC050817 MNZOC050817
June 12, 2017 5:00 PM ANZOC061217 MNZOC061217
July 10, 2017 5:00 PM ANZOC071017 MNZOC071017

Niabi Zoo Oversight Agendas & Minutes 2015 - 2016

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