New Leaders Appointed to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Board to Enhance Wildlife Conservation Efforts

The Newest Members of the Board of Trustees

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) has recently announced the addition of two powerhouse leaders to its Board of Trustees, Tom Chapman and Corinne Verdery. This strategic move is poised to strengthen the organization's commitment to wildlife conservation and its ongoing efforts to protect species worldwide.

Profiles of the New Board Members

Tom Chapman

Tom Chapman brings a wealth of financial expertise to the board, currently serving as the board chair of the Wyoming Retirement System, overseeing a formidable $11 billion in assets. Additionally, he is an integral part of the Investment Funds Committee for the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office, which is responsible for managing $30 billion in funds. Chapman’s career in finance is extensive; he is the chief investment officer at Teewinot Partners, a multifamily investment office, and has roots as the founder and partner of Valparaiso Capital Partners based in Singapore. His impressive background includes pivotal roles at renowned financial firms like Colony Capital, Tudor Investment, Tiger Management, and Goldman Sachs.

His philanthropic engagements are equally notable, including his contributions to the Institute for Arts and Humanities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he leads the Finance Committee. Chapman has also been active in local boards such as the Teton County Search and Rescue and Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As the chair of the Investment Committee for SDZWA, his leadership is positioned to be instrumental in the financial stewardship of conservation initiatives.

Corinne Verdery

Corinne Verdery stands out as the chief executive officer of Caruso, a premier real estate development company recognized for its impressive properties like The Grove and The Americana at Brand in Los Angeles. With a career spanning over three decades in real estate, Verdery has been pivotal in doubling the company’s size and enhancing its offerings in Southern California. Noteworthy projects under her leadership include the Forbes triple five-star resort, Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito.

Before her current role, Verdery was the chief real estate development officer at NBCUniversal and held significant positions at Oasis West Realty/Alagem Capital Group. Her commitment to community involvement shines through her active participation on the board of the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation.

A Unified Vision for Conservation

The addition of Chapman and Verdery exemplifies SDZWA's strategy to harness a blend of financial acumen and robust industry knowledge to propel its wildlife conservation agenda.

Paul A. Baribault, the president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expressed excitement about their appointment: “Their impressive careers and dedication to making a positive impact align with our mission to create a world where all life thrives. We are confident that their support will be an integral part of the Alliance.” Furthermore, Steven Simpson, chair of the board of trustees, remarked on the unparalleled caliber of leadership that both new members bring. “Their years of experience and unique perspectives will be instrumental as we work to protect species worldwide.”

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance stands as a nonprofit leader in conservation, fostering an enduring passion for nature and collaborative initiatives aimed at creating a healthier planet. Their groundbreaking conservation science initiatives and extensive outreach reach over a billion people annually. With over 44 endangered species successfully reintroduced into their native habitats, SDZWA exemplifies the power of teamwork in wildlife conservation. The organization operates through global partnerships and impactful projects at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, recognized not just as top-tier zoological institutions but also as accredited botanical gardens.

In Conclusion
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is poised to benefit greatly from the insights and expertise Chapman and Verdery bring to the board. As these leaders embark on their new roles, the organization can look forward to enhanced initiatives that will help ensure a thriving future for wildlife conservation.