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John Ball Zoo appoints new CEO

John Ball Zoo appoints new CEO

Money Moves Grand Rapids, MI local

Jason Jacobs starts Dec. 7; voters renew zoo millage

November 3rd, 2026: Voters renew zoo-museum millage

Overview

Updated Yesterday

Jason Jacobs starts as John Ball Zoo's chief executive on Dec. 7, after a nationwide search that drew dozens of candidates. He has more than 25 years of zoo leadership experience, with roles at Lion Country Safari in Florida, the Sacramento Zoo and Reid Park Zoo in Arizona.

Kent County voters renewed the zoo's operating millage on Nov. 3, approving a 10-year levy projected to raise about $193.9 million, with about 64% going to the zoo. Rob VerHeulen, interim CEO since May, holds the job until Jacobs arrives. The zoo also has a fresh five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Why it matters

A new CEO takes over one of West Michigan's most-visited attractions with a fresh 10-year millage behind him.

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Key Indicators

2,000+
Animals at the zoo
The zoo provides care for more than 2,000 animals.
700,000+
Annual visitors
The zoo drew more than 700,000 visitors last year.
1891
Year founded
The zoo traces its origins to 1891, when animals first appeared in John Ball Park.
25+
Years of zoo leadership
Incoming CEO Jason Jacobs brings more than 25 years of zoo leadership experience.
0.4086
Approved millage rate
Kent County voters approved the 10-year renewal at 0.4086 mill on Nov. 3, 2026, levied through 2035.
$193.9M
Millage revenue over 10 years
Projected countywide revenue through 2035; the zoo's share is about $124.1 million.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

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People Involved

JJ
Jason Jacobs
Incoming chief executive
Named CEO; scheduled to begin Dec. 7, 2026
TH
Tracey Hornbeck
Interim board chair, John Ball Zoo
Serving as interim board chair during the CEO search

Organizations Involved

John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo
County-owned zoo
Jason Jacobs named CEO; Rob VerHeulen is interim CEO until Dec. 7

An Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo in Grand Rapids caring for more than 2,000 animals.

Timeline

October 2026 December 2026

4 events Latest: November 3rd, 2026 · 1 week ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Jacobs scheduled to begin as CEO

    Upcoming Leadership transition

    Jacobs is scheduled to take over as CEO of the Grand Rapids zoo.

  2. Voters renew zoo-museum millage

    Latest Funding

    Kent County voters approved the 10-year renewal with 66.9% support, 198,946 to 98,364. County officials project about $193.9 million over 10 years, with roughly 64% to the zoo and 36% to the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

  3. John Ball Zoo announces new CEO

    Announcement

    The zoo announced Jason Jacobs will become chief executive, starting Dec. 7.

  4. Zoo earns another five-year AZA accreditation

    Accreditation

    The Association of Zoos and Aquariums approved accreditation after a June inspection, citing the zoo's new pygmy hippo and otter habitats. Inspectors asked for one fix, a more secure visitor barrier near the tigers, which the zoo completed within days.

Scenarios

1

Jacobs takes the helm Dec. 7

Likely Resolves by Dec 14, 2026

Discussed by: WZZM and the zoo's official announcement

Jacobs begins his role as announced. The zoo's website and local news confirm his start, and he takes over day-to-day leadership of the organization.

2

Jacobs completes first full year as CEO

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Local observers of the zoo's leadership

Jacobs remains CEO through 2027, overseeing the zoo's operations, exhibits, and conservation programs. The zoo continues its normal cycle of seasonal operations and fundraising.

3

Jacobs departs before first year ends

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Contingency scenario

Jacobs leaves the role before completing a year, triggering another leadership search. This would mark a short tenure and a second transition for the zoo.

4

Kent County voters renew the zoo-museum millage

Deadline passed (Nov 3, 2026)

Discussed by: Kent County Board of Commissioners, which voted May 14 to place the renewal on the ballot

Voters approved the 10-year renewal on Nov. 3, 2026, with 66.9% support. The levy is 0.4086 mill, projected to raise about $193.9 million through 2035, with about 64% to the zoo and 36% to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It cannot fund the design or development of an aquarium.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1949

John Ball Zoo's 1949 revival

The zoo had declined during the Depression, with most animals given away and some butchered to feed the poor. Katherine Whinery formed a Zoo Society and pushed the city to rebuild, leading to the hiring of Fred Meyer as the first zoo director.

Then

The Zoo Society raised private funds while the city hired a director and rebuilt exhibits, starting with Monkey Island.

Now

The partnership between private donors and city government became the model for the zoo's operations.

Why this matters now

Another leadership transition that reshaped the zoo's direction, showing how new directors have historically changed its course.

1989

County ownership transition (1989)

After years of study and negotiation, Kent County purchased the zoo from the city, changing how it was funded and governed.

Then

County ownership allowed the zoo to resume its master plan expansion, including the African Forest Edge Exhibit in 1996.

Now

County ownership established the governance structure the new CEO will work within.

Why this matters now

The zoo's governance has shifted before, and each change brought new leadership priorities.

Sources

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WZZM 13 John Ball Zoo Grand Valley State University MLive The Mitten Daily WOOD TV8 Citizen Portal WGVU Good Day Grand Rapids WZZM 13 John Ball Zoo MLive John Ball Zoo WGVU WZZM 13 WGVU