Zoo hires director of strategy and organization development

Zoo hires director of strategy and organization development

Laura Davis. Courtesy John Ball Zoo

The John Ball Zoo hired a director of strategy and organization development.

Laura Davis joined John Ball Zoo in October and is responsible for leading the strategy and planning for future growth at the zoo, along with aligning human capital plans to achieve long-term growth objectives. That includes supporting the assessment of organizational needs and the design, implementation and evaluation of professional development programs for team members, particularly executives and emerging leaders.

She also leads strategic deployment, performance management, compensation, internal communications, benefits, wellness, organizational culture and engagement, while overseeing the HR, safety and volunteer departments.

“We are excited to have someone of Laura Davis’ caliber and experience join John Ball Zoo,” said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. “We are building great momentum at the zoo and are excited about our strategic direction.”

Davis has spent the last 12 years as VP of global human capital planning and HR consulting at Amway. Her responsibilities encompassed employment brand, internal communications, benefits, change management, talent acquisition and human capital planning.

Previously, she held leadership roles in marketing and strategic communications for several global fortune 500 companies in West Michigan.

Davis has a B.A. with dual majors in marketing and management from Bryant College in Rhode Island.

“Being a part of the John Ball Zoo brings passion and purpose together for me in a meaningful role that can truly make an impact to our employees and our community,” Davis said.