ZCOG is governed by a thirty-member Board of Directors, comprised of three officers (the Chairperson, Vice Chair, and Treasurer) and up to twenty-seven other directors.  The Board exercises overall responsibility for the group’s policies, programs, and direction; interprets and enforces the ZCOG Bylaws and Policy Manual; and provides advice and consent on a broad range of financial, programmatic, and operational matters.

Individuals are nominated and elected to the ZCOG Board based on a demonstrated leadership in their respective fields of expertise and strong commitment to advancing zoo and aquarium –based wildlife and habitat conservation efforts.  Board members are elected by a majority vote and may serve no more than three consecutive three-year terms. 

A seat on the Board of Directors may be reserved for the CEO or President of the group’s host institution.  This position is not subject to term limits.

In September 2005, an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors was created to facilitate new policy initiatives and operational developments in the aftermath of the group’s displacement from New Orleans, Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina.  The Executive Committee is comprised of the Immediate-past Chairperson, Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Host Institution Representative, and two Ad-Hoc members selected by simple majority vote from eligible members of the ZCOG Board of Directors.

The ZCOG Executive Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

CLICK HERE for a current roster of the ZCOG Board of Directors in .PDF format.