We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of former Akron Zoo President & CEO Pat Simmons. Pat served as our leader for about 30 years from 1985 to 2014. The Akron Zoo you see today would not exist without Pat’s incredible leadership.

When Pat took the helm of the Akron Zoo, she was one of the first female zoo directors ever. When she was hired, she was “tasked with securing the future of the Akron Zoo,” in her own words.

Secure our future, she did. During her tenure, the Akron Zoo was accredited by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums for the first time; she secured a stable source of funding for us; she began rebuilding the zoo – so many current areas throughout the park reflect her influence and leadership, from Penguin Point to Komodo Kingdom to Grizzly Ridge. And so much more.

“Pat will be missed by all of those who were touched by her life and leadership,” said Doug Piekarz, current Akron Zoo president & CEO. “I was honored to be hired by Pat to join the Akron Zoo leadership team in 1997. I consider Pat both a personal friend and a professional mentor who will always be present in my heart and mind.

“Pat Simmons and her leadership changed the Akron Zoo, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the greater Akron community for the better.”

We are honored to have Pat as part of the Akron Zoo legacy. We send our deepest condolences to the Simmons family, along with everyone at the North Carolina Zoo, where Pat served as director & CEO from 2015 until her passing.