President's Message
In 2008 and 2009, the museum’s most important accomplishment will be the full execution of our most recent strategic plan. This plan was focused on the repositioning of The Wildlife Experience as “More than a Museum,” in that we leverage our expertise in educational, interactive and entertaining experiences to instill respect for habitat and wildlife and inspire efforts to conserve for generations to come. Led by Richard Smartt, Ph.D., our ‘educational, interactive and entertaining experience’ will culminate in May 2009 with the opening of Globeology, the museum’s defining permanent exhibition. With this exhibition, families will be able to explore and understand our planet in an unprecedented way right in their backyard. Parents will be empowered to have meaningful conversations with their kids about the important topics that affect all wildlife, including us.
Last July, against the backdrop of the beginnings of significant growth at the museum, the board of directors began to evolve. We expanded the board to better represent the various communities we serve, from three members to (currently) sixteen. This dynamic group of men and women bring expertise such as entrepreneurship, banking, art, investments, marketing, law, real estate, media, and non-profit leadership, and they represent nearly every geographic area of Metro Denver in either their residence or place of business. As varied as their expertise is, so too are their passions, which they will share as a body to govern and oversee the museum as a non-profit organization. I believe this change alone will catapult the museum to a higher level.
As we mature as an organization, I expect we’ll jump light years ahead in our presentation of valuable and important information, better enabling us to cultivate as leaders that next generation I mentioned. Residing as we do in the digital world we recognize that we are competing to capture the hearts and imaginations of our guests so that they will be receptive to the information we all need to maintain the health and balance of our planet. We will focus more than ever on significant traveling exhibits and large-format films that stimulate thought, and with the support of educational programming, make a meaningful impact on our audience. While we recognize each person’s right to form opinions on environmental issues, we strive to present material in such a way that those opinions are based on sound information and critical thought.
My role in this work is to keep us on the right course, encouraging creativity that is balanced with practicality. Our board will continue doing what it does best - asking hard questions, encouraging us to think outside-the-box, and keeping us focused on long-term outcomes. As an entire museum team, we’ll create an unrivaled “experience” for you and your family, one that will open doors to critical thinking and meaningful conversations about the issues and concerns that affect all wildlife. We care because we ourselves are, after all, members of the animal kingdom.
Very truly yours,
Giovanni V. Greco
President & CEO
