Click Here to see a slide show of our Teddy Bear Clinic event that took place in Feb.,2008.

What made you interested in working in a zoo? I was first asked in 2000 by the president Bill Frew to join the board of trustees to work on the marketing committee. At that time, I was in the process of heading up the project of the Hilton Garden Inn, assisting in development and construction. After my tenure ended, I still had my consulting company and was doing a lot of consulting for hotels. At the same time, I worked on some programs at the Zoo.

In 2003, Vincent Gattullo, the executive director of the Zoo left his position. Bill asked me if I would take over as acting director while they did a search for a full-time one. In the interim, I started creating programs and develop marketing issues. I started to build out initiatives that had been placed on hold. I was then asked to take over the position full-time. Do you ever work directly with the animals? I don't work with them, but I try to spend as much time as possible on the Zoo grounds to get to know about the animals, to know which ones are the best for the Zoo and which ones interest the children most, which is what it is all about.

What is your biggest accomplishment since you've been with the Zoo? The expansion of the reptile wing, the revamping of other areas throughout the children's center, new barns for emus from the Bronx Zoo, new huts for the llamas and for our Jersey Cow. There are brand new facilities for all those animals.
How did your former professional background help you in your current position?
I am a businessman with marketing expertise. I have tried to borrow some of the tried and true methods of Disney, to bring them here and bring awareness that the Staten Island Zoo is really a gem. My new master plan has just been approved and is before the Art Commission.

Among the plans are a carousel, which will include 16 different endangered species animals.
Why is it necessary to have a carousel when there is one on the Island already?
The Zoo is a self-contained entity. Visitors who come should be able to do as much as they can while they are here. They love the animals and they also love rides. We are anticipating putting in a trackless train to ride around the zoo and a tree house, which might feature slides and other interactive items. The more things we can add, the more reasons to come and stay here. We'd like to attract more and more people from the South Shore instead of them going to Jersey. We also need curb appeal, which will include a brand new entrance with Disney-like gates.
Have you ever had a frightening experience or a particularly funny one on your watch?
I've had an animal escape. A prairie dog got out of his exhibit, but once he got out, he didn't know where to go. We returned him quickly enough.
I know your wife, Patricia, is very active on Staten Island. Can you tell me something about her?
My wife is my inspiration. She's an extraordinary woman. She's important to my career, to do the things I do and to see me through my ups and downs. She pushed me into the community, getting me into the South Shore Rotary, and I've been working in the community ever since. She started a not-for-profit organization called World of Women eleven years ago and has done incredible things with that organization. She was my first girl friend when we were 13, 14 years old, living near each other on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. We ended up elsewhere and married others, but eventually found ourselves back together again. And finally, 25 years later, she is my wife.
Your Favorite animals in the zoo?
The Clydesdales.
Favorite spot on Staten Island other than the zoo?
My house on the water in Annadale .
What are you reading now? Re-reading?
"The Bourne Identity" books.
Who do you root for?
The New York Yankees .
Favorite movie?
Casablanca.