The North Carolina Zoo has appointed Diane Villa as its interim director, taking the reins after the recent departure of Pat Simmons. Villa, who has served more than three decades at the zoo, moves into the role with an extensive background in communication and leadership within the organization. According to a statement from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), a search for a permanent director is underway. Villa's appointment is seen as a step to maintain continuity at one of the state's most cherished destinations.
Pamela B. Cashwell, the Secretary of DNCR, recognized Villa's exceptional qualifications. "Diane’s many years of experience at the Zoo and her role as a member of the senior leadership team make her uniquely qualified to lead the North Carolina Zoo through this transition period," she said. As the zoo's deputy director and chief communications officer, Villa has managed various departments, including marketing, public relations, and guest services – demonstrating her wide-ranging responsibilities, making her a fitting choice to guide the zoo while its leadership future remains uncertain, as per the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Villa's tenure at the North Carolina Zoo includes roles such as director of communications and marketing, curator of design, and art director. Her work has spanned beyond the zoo's boundaries, reaching into the community through her service on the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors. In a role brimming with challenges, Villa will steer the zoo towards an expected milestone, the opening of the new Asia exhibit slated for 2026, while embodying the institution's ethos and ambition.
Expressing her gratitude and resolve, Villa told the DNCR, "I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the North Carolina Zoo in this interim period.” She emphasized the foundational work her predecessor laid. "Under Pat’s leadership, the Zoo built a thoughtful and creative community that I will continue to nourish as we move forward to opening Asia in 2026." Her military service, which spanned five years in the United States Air Force, and her academic credentials from East Carolina University, paint the picture of a leader well-versed in discipline and creativity.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources oversees the state's history, arts, and nature reserves. It manages various sites and programs that support education, the economy, public health, and community resilience. Villa’s role is important as the NC Zoo, part of the department, goes through changes while continuing its mission to protect North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources.
