Red River Zoo Will Appoint New CEO in October 2026
The Fargo attraction will transition leadership as Gene Peacock takes over as president and CEO.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you trust that leadership changes at your local zoo will benefit the community?
The Red River Zoo board has named Gene Peacock as the incoming president and CEO, effective at the end of October 2026. Peacock will succeed longtime leader Sally Mulvena, who served the organization for 14 years.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions at long-standing regional institutions often signal shifts in operational priorities and fundraising strategies. Operators in the non-profit and tourism sectors should monitor how incoming executives leverage prior experience to influence visitor engagement and budget management.
The Red River Zoo draws approximately 120,000 visitors annually, a footprint smaller than the 350,000-visitor volume managed by Peacock at Zoo Boise. Peacock brings 20 years of leadership experience to the position, following Sally Mulvena’s 14-year tenure.
The players
Gene Peacock
An executive with 20 years of leadership experience at zoos including Zoo Boise and the Brandywine Zoo.
Red River Zoo
A Fargo-based non-profit institution with AZA accreditation and 120,000 annual visitors.
Sally Mulvena
The outgoing leader who concluded a 14-year tenure at the Red River Zoo.
Canopy Strategic Partners
A consulting firm that provides leadership search services for organizational boards.
The details
The board selected Peacock after conducting a national search assisted by Canopy Strategic Partners. His background includes executive director roles at both Zoo Boise and the Brandywine Zoo. The Fargo institution, which has maintained Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation since 2006, will transition to his oversight following the search process.
Timeline
The Red River Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 2006.
Gene Peacock will begin his term as president and CEO in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the governance precedent set by the organization's long-term commitment to maintaining the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards. The move aligns with wider institutional trends where non-profit boards seek experienced directors to manage smaller visitor volumes while maintaining strict industry benchmarks.
Operators in the Fargo area should evaluate how the new leadership style may shift procurement priorities or regional partnerships. Board chairs should note the reliance on external consulting firms like Canopy Strategic Partners to bridge the gap in executive succession planning.
The takeaway
When replacing a long-tenured executive, using external consultants can broaden the candidate pool beyond local networks. Boards should document the specific operational metrics that the outgoing leader leaves behind to ensure a seamless transition for the successor.
Further reading
Learn more about the local leadership environment in the People section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that leadership changes at your local zoo will benefit the community?
