Denise M. Verret

Denise M. Verret has extensive work experience in the field of zoos and aquariums. Denise M. is currently the Vice-Chair Elect on the AZA Board of Directors, a position they have held since September 2022. Denise M. has been a member of the AZA Board of Directors since October 2019. Prior to that, they held various roles at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, including Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director, Interim Zoo Director, and Deputy Director. In their role as Deputy Director, they provided leadership and management, overseeing multiple functions and operations, managing the annual operating budget and staff. Before joining the zoo, Denise worked for the City of Los Angeles for 12 years, starting as a Management Assistant and advancing to the position of Senior Administrative Analyst. In this role, they handled complex analyst assignments, including budget planning, organizational analysis, contract analysis, and management and policy studies. Denise M. also prepared comprehensive reports with findings and recommendations.

Denise M. Verret completed their undergraduate education at the University of California, Riverside from 1984 to 1988, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.