POWELL, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished Central Ohio leaders to its Board of Directors: Dr. Pete Edwards, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist; Joe Ezzie, partner at BakerHostetler; and Craig Conley, Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Columbus.

“These three individuals bring decades of expertise in medicine, law, government, and business leadership, along with a passion for strengthening the communities where they live and work,” said Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “Their shared Central Ohio roots and commitment to service will help guide the Zoo as we continue to enhance our programs, expand our conservation impact, and create meaningful experiences for families across the region.”

Craig Conley

Conley is a strategic and visionary leader passionate about empowering teams and fostering inclusive, collaborative work environments. In his current role as deputy chief of staff for Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, he plays a key role in shaping city initiatives that affect residents across Columbus. His corporate background includes leadership roles at LinkedIn, HubSpot, ADP, and multiple small- to mid-market companies where he focused on organizational growth and culture-building. Conley graduated summa cum laude from Hiram College with a degree in business management and has expanded his leadership expertise through executive education at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management and other advanced programs.

Dr. Pete Edwards

Dr. Edwards has more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice, athlete care, business leadership, and community engagement. He was a founding partner of Orthopedic One and served as longtime team physician for Columbus Crew and U.S. Soccer, later becoming co-owner of the Columbus Crew. Nationally recognized for his contributions to orthopedic education, sports health advocacy, and philanthropy, Dr. Edwards is also an active investor and board advisor for ventures in healthcare, real estate, artificial intelligence, and community development. A generous supporter of the Columbus Zoo’s Partners In Conservation program, he serves on the board of the Edwards Family Foundation and has led major philanthropic campaigns for United Way of Columbus and Adaptive Sports Connection.

Joseph Ezzie

Ezzie has built a distinguished career in the legal field, serving as a partner in the Columbus office of BakerHostetler where he focuses on complex commercial litigation. Since joining the firm in 2007, he has served on its governing Policy Committee and worked on high-profile cases that have shaped the legal landscape. Beyond his professional work, Ezzie is deeply committed to community service, having held board positions with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. He is also active in mentoring young attorneys and supporting initiatives that expand access to justice. Ezzie earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University and his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance to ensure the Zoo continues to deliver on its mission and maintain the highest standards in animal care, education, and conservation.

For more information about the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, visit www.ColumbusZoo.org.

About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 

Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.