Before working at the Zoological Society of San Diego, Doug Myers had worked for the Anheuser-Busch wildlife and theme parks for 11 years, in roles from tour guide to trainer to keeper to operations manager and director. In 1982, Doug started his career with the Zoological Society as general manager of the Wild Animal Park, and in 1985, he was selected as the new executive director of the organization. One of his first goals was to begin implementing the Diamond Edge Plan, the long-range plan that had recently been completed for the organization as a guide to take it to its 75th anniversary. Betty Jo Williams had served on the Zoological Society's board of trustees since 1979. She had most recently been first vice-president of the board before being elected as president, to begin her duties in January 1986. Betty Jo also served on the Society's education, development, botanical, finance, buildings and grounds, and public relations committees. A member of the San Diego community for more than 30 years, Betty Jo was also active in the Junior League of San Diego, served as vice-president of the Natural History Museum board of trustees, and volunteered with a number of local organizations, including the San Diego Opera.

It was a historic day for the Zoological Society when the agreement was signed with the Chengdu Zoo in China to bring three golden monkeys to the San Diego Zoo as a breeding group, and to exchange other species between the two zoos as well. Executive director Doug Myers (seated, left) signed on behalf of the Zoological Society, with others from the Society in attendance: (standing, left to right in back row) Clayton Swanson, director of collections; Dr. Art Risser, general curator of birds; Dr. Jim Dolan, general curator of mammals; and Larry Killmar, Wild Animal Park curator of mammals.

New Director and New Direction

In 1985, Chuck Bieler stepped down as director, although he continued working with the Zoological Society as an advisor and on a variety of fund-raising and community-relations projects. Stepping into the executive director role was Douglas Myers, who had been general manager of the Wild Animal Park. Having worked with both Dr. Schroeder and Chuck Bieler, Doug was well versed in Zoological Society history and future plans.

One of his favorite sayings, then and now, is something Dr. Schroeder told him: “Respect the past, but change the future.” He had an opportunity to do both not long after starting: he and staff members traveled again to China, to sign an agreement to bring golden monkeys to the Zoo on a breeding loan (above) and explore collaborative efforts for Przewalski’s horses, western tufted deer, Chinese monals, takins, red pandas, and other Asian species.

Joining Doug in a new role was Betty Jo F. Williams (left, with Doug), who had served on the board of trustees and was now taking on the role of board president—the first woman president in the Society’s history.

1985

Conservation 1977 - 1986