The Greenville Zoo has a new Administrator. William “Bill” Cooper comes to Greenville from the Indianapolis Zoo where he served as Vice President of Infrastructure and Construction. Cooper was responsible for oversight and management of the zoo’s admissions, attractions, food service, retail sales, facilities maintenance and overall park operations.
Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University in Utah and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He served as the Past President of the Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association.
He has significant experience in the zoo industry and is recognized as a leader in the field. During his career Cooper has overseen several multi-million-dollar construction projects. While serving as the Vice President of Facilities, Operations and Construction at the Phoenix Zoo Cooper lead construction of a new $3.4 million front entry while reducing operating costs by 4% annually.
Cooper began his career with Zoo Atlanta. While there 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.
“I have worked for three world class zoos. 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.”Cooper comes to the Greenville Zoo as it prepares for accreditation from the American Zoo Association.
The Zoo is currently upgrading the lion’s den and primate row. Cooper says he hopes to add additional exhibits and make Greenville the best small zoo in the country.