2019 C-Suite Awards winner: Thane Maynard
Category: Chief executive officer
https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/08/22/2019-c-suite-awards-winner-thane-maynard.html
By Nikki Kingery – Projects Editor, Cincinnati Business Courier
Thane Maynard
Title/organization: Director, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Number of years in current position: 13
Hometown: Winter Park, Fla.
Residence: North Avondale
Family: Married 42 years to Kathleen with three daughters. I came to Cincinnati because it is my wife’s hometown.
What was your first job? Summer job working in a steel fabricating factory without air conditioning in Orlando, Fla. Hotter than the Congo – no kidding!
What moment from work over the past year gave you the most satisfaction? When Ndume, our 37-year old lowland gorilla, returned to the zoo from California. He is settling in with two older females.
What’s your biggest current challenge? Staying patient as we grow the Cincinnati Zoo. Over the last decade, the zoo has grown to be the biggest attraction in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. So as we expand the habitats for rhinos, kangaroos, and elephants, it provides “more home to roam” for both our animals and our guests. But some days progress seems glacial.
Best part of your job? Cincinnati is a zoo town. We are blessed that for nearly 150 years the people of our region have loved our animals and supported the zoo at such a high level. One of my favorite frequent experiences is when total strangers come up to me to tell me a story about how important the zoo has been to their family. From Florence to West Chester, every family has a zoo story.
Next big personal goal you hope to achieve? I am working with Sen. Rob Portman’s office and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to change the federal permitting process to allow orphaned polar bears to be bred in zoos. The zoo is here to inspire people with wildlife, and saving polar bears is a darn good start.
Favorite way to relax outside of work? Hiking, jogging, bike riding, and reading.
What kind of fitness routine do you follow? Ditto.
What’s your most distinguishing characteristic? For good or ill, most people would say I talk an awful lot. As the zoo’s chief storyteller, it’s part of my job.
When was your last vacation, and where did you go? My wife and I went hiking in Yosemite National Park this summer. It is outrageously beautiful.
How do you measure success for yourself? Keeping the energy right. When things are clicking, darn near anything is possible. Don’t overthink things, just get ‘em done.
Who is a business leader you admire and why? Harry Fath because he works hard and thinks big every single day.
Most recent book you enjoyed? “The Tangled Tree” by David Quammen. It is a remarkable look at how much more complex nature and the study of biology are than we once thought.
What do you look for in a new hire? Even though we all tell our kids to get good grades and go to a snazzy school, we know that those things overrated in the world of work. I don’t care about resumes – I want someone who gets things done. Most often if you listen carefully to someone’s former boss, you can tell what kind of an employee a person will be.
First choice for a new career? Wilderness guide.
Biggest pet peeve? Long meetings.