Riverbanks Park Commission Announces New Chair
July 30, 2012
Mr. Earl Brown, Jr. Takes Office for 2012-2014 Term
COLUMBIA, SC – July 30, 2012 – The Riverbanks Park Commission, the governing authority of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, is proud to announce Mr. Earl Brown, Jr. as the newly elected chair.
Brown has served as a member of the Commission since October 2007 and most recently held the office of vice chair for the 2010-2012 term. During his two year term as chair, Brown will be responsible for guiding the Commission when making business decisions regarding the Zoo and Garden – including improvement, maintenance, staffing and operations.
“My fellow commissioners and I are committed to the continued excellence of the Zoo and Garden,” said Earl Brown, chair of Riverbanks Park Commission. “Riverbanks is a financially valuable asset to the local communities of Richland and Lexington Counties and we look forward to growing the Zoo and building on its successes in the years to come.”
Brown brings an extensive leadership history to his new position. In addition to his work for the Commission, he is an active member of numerous other organizations including the Columbia Rotary Club, Columbia Urban League, NAACP, National Teachers Association, Richland County Airport Commission and United Way of the Midlands.
Brown currently works as Deputy District Director for the Honorable Joe Wilson, Member of Congress for the 2nd Congressional District of South Carolina. He retired in February 2002 from the State of South Carolina where he worked for 27 years at the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. During his tenure with the agency, Brown served as Executive Assistant for External Affairs, Director of Community Relations and Director of Compliance and Investigations.
Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Savannah State College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College and a Master of Criminal Justice degree from the University of South Carolina.
Other Commission members taking office this year include Mr. Phil Bartlett as vice chair, Mr. Bud Tibshrany as secretary and Mrs. Mary Howard as treasurer.
About Riverbanks Park Commission
The Riverbanks Park Commission is the governing authority of the Riverbanks Special Purpose District and is responsible to the citizens of the Midlands for the financial stability of the Zoo. It consists of seven members appointed for six-year terms. Two members are appointed by the Richland County Council, two by the Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities.
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo.
