N.C. Zoo names interim director

Diane Villa (Courtesy photo)

ASHEBORO — Diane Villa is serving as interim director of the North Carolina Zoo.

Villa is the deputy director and chief communications officer for N.C. Zoo. She fills a void following last month’s death of Director and CEO Pat Simmons.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the North Carolina Zoo in this interim period,” Villa said in a statement. “Under Pat’s leadership, the Zoo built a thoughtful and creative community that I will continue to nourish as we move forward to opening Asia in 2026.”

The Zoo is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which announced that it’s conducting a national search for a new director.

“Diane’s many years of experience at the Zoo and her role as a member of the senior leadership team make her uniquely qualified to lead the North Carolina Zoo through this transition period,” said Pamela Cashwell, DNCR secretary. “I am grateful for her willingness to take on this important role at one of North Carolina’s most beloved institutions.”

During her 31 years working at the North Carolina Zoo, Villa has served as the Zoo’s director of communications and marketing, curator of design, and art director. In her current role of deputy director and chief communications officer, she leads the Zoo’s communications section, which includes marketing, public relations, social media, graphic design, guest services, special events, and park security/emergency operations.

Villa, an East Carolina graduate who also spent five years with the U.S. Air Force, serves on the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors.