SPRINGFIELD – Sarah Tsitso brings a very special perspective to her new role as executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center.

“For almost 15 years I lived in this neighborhood … my daughter was born in a house we owned .8 miles from the gates of this zoo,” she told the gathering of Zoological Society Board Members and media representatives attending the May 22 announcement of her appointment. “For her first 10 years we spent a lot of time here, a lot of weekends, she had a lot of birthday parties here; this was a place we thought was really special and it was a gem right here in the middle of this wonderful city.”

She added that when she joined the zoo part time as senior director of organizational development last September, she found herself suddenly  “cool again” in the eyes of the now 13-year-old.

“She thinks this is the best job in the world,” Tsitso continued. “She loves to come here, spend time, and she volunteers here whenever possible, at whatever jobs we have for her.

“She’s a regular fixture here as well,” Tsitso noted, adding that her husband is also an avid zoo supporter.

The role of executive director, however, is a job she’s entering with her eyes wide open. Well aware of the zoo’s financial situation – it ran a $9,000 deficit in 2016 according to a recent financial evaluation – and its challenge to remain relevant in the midst of changing public attitudes, Tsitso said she’s excited by the opportunity to be part of the revitalization of what she feels is an oft-overlooked historic asset.

“I know the many challenges we face here, and I plan to face them the only way I know how to face any challenge, and that’s head-on,” Tsitso said. “I’ve never shrunk from an challenge and look at this as an opportunity for me to do my part to contribute to Springfield’s success story, as I truly believe that is what we are all building here in Springfield.”

She cited the many facets that make up the zoo’s impact  on the area – “[it’s] a tourist destination, an economic engine, an employer and an educational asset” –  as some of the strengths of the institution, which is gearing up to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2019.

“As we move toward that incredible milestone, we look ahead for what the future holds for our four and one-half acre zoo in the middle of Forest Park, and I believe that future is bright,” she said.

The top priorities Tsitso noted as she moves forward in her new role include continuing the examination of policies and procedures she started while senior director of operational development, “strategically looking at our exhibits” and a push to expand the zoo’s educational programs by “getting out into the community more and forging more partnerships.”

In announcing Tsitso’s appointment Nathan Bazinet, president of the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society, cited her background as an award-winning former journalist and her leadership roles with local non-profits – including Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce, two Springfield–based Boys and Girls Clubs and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts – as stellar credentials that recommended her for the position, despite her lack of background in zoo operation.

In 2017, Bazinet noted he had temporarily stepped away from his role as Board President to personally fill in as interim executive director for the zoo.

“After much discussion among members of the board, as well as other stakeholders, it was determined that the zoo needed a professional with non-profit  executive experience at the helm. Someone who knows what it takes not just to manage a non-profit, but to help it thrive, ” Bazinet said, and the decision was made to approach Tsitso to potentially fill that role.         She initially joined the zoo in the part-time position as senior director of organizational development last fall, and after eight months of examining and helping to restructure the zoo’s myriad systems “from animal care to finance” – as well as working to increase the organization’s outreach and partnerships – this spring the Board officially approached Tsitso as the right person to take over as executive director.

Tsitso said she is excited to take on this new role. Initially, she is especially looking forward to the imminent unveiling of a brand new exhibit in keeping with what she and the Board envision as the evolving role of the Zoo as a place for education, rescue and preservation.

“We just got word this morning that we’re going to get it,” she told Reminder Publications, adding that the new exhibit would be housed in the area that formerly held the zoo’s bears. “You can expect a big announcement in about 30 days.”