After almost two decades leading the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Thane Maynard is moving into a new role as Executive Chair of the Board to spearhead the largest fundraising effort in the Zoo’s history. Chief operating officer Dave Jenike will take over as Zoo Director, effective January 1, 2026.
“I’m not leaving. This Zoo is in my blood, and its mission – to inspire everyone with wildlife – is my mission,” said Maynard. “I just won’t be as involved in the day-to-day running of the park. Dave has been in charge of operations for a long time and is more than ready to step into the Director role.”
“The time for this move is right,” said Maynard. “As we celebrate the Zoo’s 150th anniversary and the completion of our largest project ever, Elephant Trek, I want to be able to focus on keeping the Zoo as a source of pride for our community with this next phase of fundraising.”
Maynard’s passion for connecting people with nature has inspired millions to get outside, look up, travel, plant a garden, support conservation initiatives, and appreciate creatures of all shapes and sizes. He will continue to do all of these things in his new role, but his primary focus will be on raising support for the Zoo’s Impact Fund and future capital projects.
“Thane and I have worked side by side for decades,” said Dave Jenike. “We trust each other and are aligned on what’s important – for the Zoo and for the planet. With his help, I’m confident that we can meet our goal to ensure a bright future for the Zoo and the impact we create.”
In addition to leading efforts to grow the Zoo’s Impact Fund, Maynard will continue to be an ambassador for the Zoo, likely showing up at area events with baby alligator “Cruncher,” and to do his nationally syndicated radio show, The 90-Second Naturalist.
Maynard began his Zoo career in 1977 as the Assistant Curator of Education and served in many different roles before becoming Executive Director in 2007. During his tenure in that role, he spearheaded the creation of award-winning habitats such as Africa and Elephant Trek and championed the growth of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. He, along with Jenike, led a major shift in how visitors experience the Zoo by introducing opportunities to surprise, delight, and ultimately create a connection to wildlife.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Thane for his extraordinary leadership over the past 19 years. His vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and to the Cincinnati community have strengthened the Zoo’s reputation as one of the very best in the nation. We are thankful for his dedication and stewardship, and we are excited to see his legacy carried forward as Dave Jenike steps into this new role,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s board chair George Molinsky.
Dave Jenike started his Cincinnati Zoo career as an intern and wore many hats, including Director of Education, before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2007.
He is a Cincinnati native and cares deeply about this community and inspiring people here and around the world with wildlife. He’s an avid birder and a conservationist to his core.
“As a member of the board since 2007, I’ve witnessed the strength and depth of the team at the Zoo,” said Paycor founder and Cincinnati Zoo board member Bob Coughlin. “The Zoo will continue to be one of Cincinnati’s greatest treasures. We have a world-class zoo because of our world-class leadership team led by Thane Maynard and now Dave Jenike.”