DOUGLAS MYERS ELECTED CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS

Douglas Myers, executive director of the Zoological Society of San Diego, has been elected chair of the board of directors for the American Association of Museums (AAM). Myers will assume this position at the AAM Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo™ in Los Angeles May 23. AAM is the largest museum service organization in the world, encompassing nearly 20,000 members representing all types of museums: art, history, children's, natural history, science and technology centers, historic sites, zoos, aquariums and public and botanic gardens.

"AAM and its members are privileged to have Myers at the helm of our board for the next two years," said AAM president Ford W. Bell. "His wisdom and experience in guiding one of the country's great institutions will be integral to AAM's future success."

Myers assumes the chairmanship from Carl Nold, chief executive officer of Historic New England, who has served in that capacity since April 2008.

"These are exciting times at AAM, and I am proud to serve this vital organization," Myers said. "Under Carl Nold's leadership, AAM has developed a new strategic plan and vision that clearly defines its goals for the future. All of us are eager to implement this plan so that AAM may better support the wide-ranging museum community."

Myers has been chief executive officer for the Zoological Society of San Diego since 1985. During this time he has moved forward the global conservation efforts for the organization; securing a long-term giant panda loan with China, launching a cross border release program with California condors in Mexico and overseeing a collaborative effort with the country of Abu Dhabi to support the Al Ain Zoo. Myers came to the Zoological Society of San Diego in 1982 as general manager for the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park.

In addition to his work with the San Diego Zoo, Myers has been active in the museum world; serving as a member of the National Institute of Museum Library Services, the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, the Central Balboa Park Association and as a past member of the Advisory Council of the Museum Trustee Association. He is also a current member of the Rotary Club of San Diego, the California Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Conservation Breeding Specialists Group Steering Committee, and is a fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.