Ape Initiative Selects Mark Vukovich to Lead Board of Directors!
“It is my hope to make our community more aware of these efforts and the value the Ape Initiative brings to bonobo research and conservation.”
Former Blank Park Zoo CEO makes local awareness, education and fundraising a priority for bonobo research facility in Des Moines
(Des Moines, Iowa – December 21, 2021) – The Ape Initiative announced today that former Blank Park Zoo CEO Mark Vukovich has been elected chairperson of the bonobo research center’s board of directors. Vukovich stated that his priorities as board chair are to increase the Ape Initiative’s local awareness, fundraising and public education efforts.
“The Ape Initiative is the only place in the world doing scientific studies into the cognitive and communicative abilities of bonobos, and it’s right here in Des Moines,” Vukovich said. “It is my hope to make our community more aware of these efforts and the value the Ape Initiative brings to bonobo research and conservation.”
Vukovich joined the Ape Initiative’s board of directors in 2020 and replaces interim chair Dr. Michael Renner, professor of biology, psychology and environmental science & sustainability at Drake University. Vukovich served 11 years as CEO of Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. He is a director emeritus of Blank Park Zoo and a member of the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.
“From his time at Blank Park Zoo, Mark brings a great deal of experience in animal welfare, local philanthropy and community engagement to our organization,” said Dr. Jared Taglialatela, director of the Ape Initiative. “His leadership will be invaluable to the growth and development of the Ape Initiative and our scientific mission.”
The Ape Initiative board of directors also elected Dr. Mark Anderson, former University of Northern Colorado professor as vice president and secretary. In addition to Vukovich, Renner and Anderson, Ape Initiative board members include Taglialatela, Brian Ottaviano, director with Virtas Partners in Atlanta, Ga. and Al Setka, chief communications officer for the City of Des Moines. William Miller with Dorsey & Whitney, LLP of Des Moines serves as general counsel for the Ape Initiative.
See the full news release here
For more information, contact:
Al Setka
Board of Directors, Ape Initiative
(515) 720-7763