Diane Villa, Interim Director of the North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo

Diane Villa has worked at the North Carolina Zoo for 31 years, normally serving as Deputy Director and Chief Communications Officer. In July, Diane was named Interim Director and CEO while a search for the next Director takes place.

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. Before this, she served as the Zoo’s Director of Communications and Marketing for seven years, Curator of Design for three years and Art Director for 20 years. Diane is also involved in the community, serving on the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors.

At the North Carolina Zoo, she is a member of Senior Staff, Community Outreach and Engagement Team, and Park Interpretive Team. Diane works on various planning teams to deliver unique and memorable guest experiences at the North Carolina Zoo and to raise awareness of the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and wild places. She served as liaison between the Zoo and the company producing Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina, airing on Nat Geo WILD and Disney+.

In 2024, she spearheaded the 50th Anniversary program for the North Carolina Zoo. Under Diane’s leadership, the Zoo has achieved distinctive honors such as being Ranked #1 Zoo in the Nation by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025.

Diane studied Fine Arts at East Carolina University and served for five years with the United States Air Force prior to working at the North Carolina Zoo.

She resides in Asheboro, NC, with Juan, her husband of 22 years, and their beloved dogs, Finn and Coco.

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