Jeff Mitchell Takes Helm at Henry Vilas Zoo

The new director transitions into his role following nearly seven months of interim leadership at the Madison facility.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a zoo observation platform, representing the institutional leadership transition at the Henry Vilas Zoo. — Jeff Mitchell has been appointed as the new director of the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, officially assuming his leadership duties in October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jeff Mitchell officially assumed the role of director at the Henry Vilas Zoo on October 19, following the retirement of long-time leader Ronda Schwetz. He enters the position after a seven-month period of interim management under Janine Wachter.

Why it matters

Mitchell brings experience from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo to lead a facility currently tasked with achieving fossil fuel-free operations by 2040. His appointment marks a stable transition for a zoo that maintains a 50-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo has operated under interim leadership for nearly seven months. Mitchell arrives with six and a half years of experience leading the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.

The players

Jeff Mitchell

He is the new director of the Henry Vilas Zoo who previously spent six and a half years managing the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.

Ronda Schwetz

She is the former director of the Henry Vilas Zoo who retired after serving in the leadership position for 15 years.

Janine Wachter

She served as the zoo's interim director during the seven-month search process to replace the outgoing leader.

Melissa Agard

She is the County Executive who established the environmental mandate for the facility to eliminate fossil fuel use.

The details

Mitchell is currently shadowing zookeepers and maintenance staff to evaluate operational workflows at the Madison facility. He accepted the position largely because the zoo remains a free facility for the public.

March 2026 marked the beginning of the zoo's seven-month period of interim leadership.
October 19, 2026, was the date Jeff Mitchell officially assumed the role of director.
October 27, 2026, served as the start date for Mitchell shadowing zoo personnel.
2040 is the target year mandated by the County Executive for the zoo to reach fossil fuel-free operations.

Market Landscape

The zoo’s commitment to high standards follows a 50-year history of maintaining Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards. This leadership change aligns the facility with long-term operational goals while managing the complex logistical shift toward full-electric energy use.

The transition to new leadership is not expected to change the zoo's status as a free facility for Madison residents. Visitors can expect continued adherence to existing animal care standards while future facility upgrades like solar pavilions are evaluated.

The takeaway

The arrival of a new director signals a continuation of the zoo's mission to balance free public access with evolving sustainability targets. Residents can monitor upcoming infrastructure projects as the county works toward its 2040 environmental goal.