Former Smithsonian National Zoo Director selected to lead Honolulu Zoo

John Berry, new Honolulu Zoo Director  

HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced today the appointment of John Berry as the next Director of the Honolulu Zoo, bringing to the City & County of Honolulu one of the most accomplished leaders in the zoological, conservation, and public service communities.

Berry most recently served as President of the American Australian Association and previously held senior leadership positions at the highest levels of the federal government, including U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior, and Deputy Assistant Secretary and acting Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement at the U.S. Department of Treasury.

He has extensive conservation experience and served as the Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, where he worked with the Inspector General’s Office to reconcile decades of financial records and helped to conserve millions of acres of wildlife habitat through public-private partnerships. As the Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, he led a nationally recognized turnaround of one of the country’s premier zoos.

“John Berry is a transformational leader with an extraordinary record of public service, conservation leadership, and organizational management,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “His experience leading the Smithsonian National Zoo, negotiating international conservation partnerships, overseeing complex organizations, and building world-class teams makes him uniquely qualified to guide the Honolulu Zoo into its next chapter. We conducted a thorough search locally and nationally and found an individual whose credentials are second to none.”

During his tenure at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Berry successfully led the zoo through a major organizational turnaround, securing tens of millions of dollars in public and private funding for critical improvements, including new elephant, seal, and sea lion exhibits, expanded conservation programs, and strengthened international partnerships. He also played a key role in negotiations with China over giant pandas and helped expand global wildlife conservation and research initiatives.

Berry’s leadership extends beyond the conservation & zoological community. As Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, he oversaw human resource policy for more than two million federal employees and managed health and retirement programs serving millions of Americans. As U.S. Ambassador to Australia, he advanced economic, defense, scientific, and cultural partnerships between the two nations.

“I am very honored and excited to be joining the passionate team of professionals at the Honolulu Zoo,” added John Berry. “Together with many partners, we can help advance wildlife conservation throughout Hawaiʻi.”

The Honolulu Zoo is one of the most-visited cultural and educational attractions in Hawaiʻi and recently earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), recognizing its commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, education, and guest experience.

“The Department of Enterprise Services and the Honolulu Zoo are thrilled to have the opportunity to be led by such a prominent, qualified, and passionate leader as John Berry,” said Dita Holifield, Director of the Department of Enterprise Services. “We are excited about his incredible vision to expand our conservation efforts, improve the care of our beloved animals, and to provide the people with a great experience. With John at the helm, I am confident the Honolulu Zoo will continue to elevate its reputation as one of the premier attractions and conservation organizations throughout Hawai‘i and the Pacific region.”

Beyond his distinguished professional accomplishments, Berry brings a longstanding personal and professional connection to Hawaiʻi. His ʻohana recently moved home to Hawai‘i where they have spent most holidays over the last three decades. During his tenure as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to help lead the Native Hawaiian Reconciliation process, providing him with a unique understanding of Native Hawaiian issues and the importance of cultural stewardship.

Berry holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been recognized for his ability to lead large organizations, build strategic partnerships, and deliver meaningful results in both the public and nonprofit sectors.

Berry began his duties as the Honolulu Zoo Director on Tuesday.