News release
WATERTOWN, NY — The Board of Directors of Thompson Park Conservancy
that operates Zoo New York is pleased to announce the election of former City of Watertown City Manager, Ken Mix, as chair of the board effectively immediately. He replaces Dr. Mark Irwin, who has stepped down from the post to assume the role of Interim Executive Director.
Mix brings 34 years of experience with the City of Watertown, as a planner and most recently as the City Manager, where he oversaw 320 employees, guided Watertown through the COVID-19 pandemic and utilized $22 million in ARPA funds for infrastructure projects.
The Zoo New York Board believes Mix is the right person at the right time to help bring the Zoo forward with an effective, efficient and successful new business model that will lead to the Zoo being a sustainable community asset.
Interim Director Mark Irwin remarked that “I can think of no one better suited to this role than Ken Mix. His wealth of experience, vast knowledge of the City and Park, as well as his comprehensive network of professional relationships bring an exciting new dimension to the Zoo at the critical time.”
Mix says, “I feel honored that the board has confidence that I can lead the organization through this difficult time. I have a great interest in Thompson Park and the Zoo has been an integral part of the park for much of its history. I plan to do whatever I can to help the board and staff restore Zoo New York to a premier environmental education center that the entire area can be proud of.”
