Zoo New England announced the election of a new Board of Directors Chair, Board of Directors Vice Chair, and three new members to the Board.

Colin G. Van Dyke, managing partner of Anderson Kreiger, has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Van Dyke has served on Zoo New England’s Board of Directors since 2013, and previously served as Vice Chair. He replaces David Porter, owner and managing partner of Baystate Financial LLC, who has served as Board Chair since 2014. Porter will continue to serve on Zoo New England’s Board of Directors.

“I’m honored to begin this new role, and to build on the incredible growth and progress that has been achieved in recent years, which includes new records in attendance, membership and revenue. We are committed to deepening our impact by conserving the world’s biodiversity, both locally and globally, and by working with new and existing partners to bring more families to the zoos and to broaden our reach into local communities,” Van Dyke said.

LeeAnn Horner, a licensed clinical social worker with Care Dimensions Hospice, has been elected as Board of Directors Vice Chair. Horner has served on the Board since 2018, and also serves as Zoo New England Advisory Council Chair. Horner replaces Jan Houghton, retired President and current Chair of the Board of StonehamBank, as Vice Chair. Houghton will continue to serve on Zoo New England’s Board of Directors.

In addition to the new Board officers, the Board recently voted to add Carline Durocher, General Counsel and Vice President of Technology Development at The Forsyth Institute, Dr. Errol Norwitz, President and CEO at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and Lorenda Layne, a longtime member of Zoo New England’s Advisory Council, to its ranks.

“The Zoos are two of the region’s leading family friendly cultural destinations, as well as important contributors to the local economy. We are fortunate to be working with such a dedicated Board that possess a wealth of expertise from a wide range of professional fields, and are committed to the Zoos’ mission and vision for the future,” said John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO.

View the full list of Zoo New England’s Board of Directors.