The Greenville Zoo has named William “Bill” Cooper as its new administrator. He succeeds interim administrator Dr. Nick Kapustin after a summerlong search to fill the position.
He comes to Greenville with experience working at the Indianapolis Zoo, Phoenix Zoo and Zoo Atlanta.
“I have worked for three world-class zoos,” said Cooper. “This is a great point in my life to make a huge change and take what I have learned at those other zoos and apply it here. What an awesome opportunity to take this zoo into the future.”
He most recently served as vice president of infrastructure and construction for the Indianapolis Zoo and was responsible for oversight and management of the zoo’s admissions, attractions, food service, retail sales, facilities maintenance and overall park operations.
He also previously served as vice president of facilities, operations and construction at the Phoenix Zoo, where he led the construction of a new $3.4 million front entry while reducing operating costs by 4% annually. In addition, he worked at Zoo Atlanta, where he served as the owner’s representative for the successful design and construction of a $7.5 million giant panda exhibit as well as the completion of a $9 million Action Resource Center.
He is a graduate of Western Governors University in Utah and a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He has served as the past president of the Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association.
Cooper comes to the Greenville Zoo as it is currently upgrading its lion’s den and primate row. The zoo is also preparing for its American Zoo Association accreditation.
