MIAMI, FL, March 27, 2023 – Zoo Miami Foundation announced today that it has appointed José C. Romano as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective on April 3, 2023, following an extensive national search led by Canopy Strategic Partners.  José joins Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation at a time of great success with more than one million annual visitors and future growth with the incoming construction of the new Animal Hospital, a new Sumatran tiger exhibit, a new giraffe feeding platform and much more.

“We’re excited to officially welcome Jose as the President & CEO of Zoo Miami Foundation.  He has been a dedicated and active member of our board since 2013,” said Bill Moore, outgoing ZMF President & CEO.  “José is deeply connected to our community and has shown it through his service to local non-profit organizations over the last 20 years.  Through his passion for wildlife and conservation and strong local and statewide connections, he will help us reach new audiences.”

José Romano served most recently as Assistant Vice President (AVP), Professional Services at Doctor’s Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida, where he provided leadership in all professional functions of the hospital focusing primarily on Community Relations, Patient Experience, and Concierge Services.  In addition, José developed strong marketing partnerships with local major sports franchises including the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers and Inter Miami CF, among others.  Prior to his role at Doctor’s Hospital, José held the AVP position in Government & Community Relations at Baptist Health.  José is a past Chairman and currently serves on the boards of the Orange Bowl Committee and the American Heart Association for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.  He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas and an International Finance degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

José is entering at the retirement of William “Bill” Moore, Zoo Miami Foundation President & CEO, 2014 - 2023.  For nine years, Bill provided outstanding leadership to his Foundation team of nearly 60 full time and part time employees.  He was a great partner to Zoo Miami and Miami-Dade County assisting with major capital projects including the construction of a new Entry Plaza, the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit, the Conservation Action Center, and the Sea Turtle Hospital. 

“We wish Bill a wonderful retirement filled with everything he appreciates from his family to his hobbies.  We hope that he takes this time to enjoy life away from full-time work and we thank him for his time, talent and treasure at Zoo Miami,” said Jose Felix Diaz, ZMF Board Chair.