By Moody Gardens

Special to The Daily News  

Published December 17, 2009

GALVESTON — The Moody Gardens board of directors announced Wednesday it had appointed John A. Zendt as president and CEO of Moody Gardens. 

Zendt replaces Mike Riley, who died November. 

Zendt has been employed by Moody Gardens for 13 years as general manager of the attractions and played a key role in the opening of the Moody Gardens Hotel and the Aquarium Pyramid, according to a statement released by the board. 

He will oversee the management and development of the Moody Gardens attractions, hotel, convention center and golf course on the island’s West End near Scholes Airport. 

“John has been a great asset to Moody Gardens through the years,” board Chairman Doug McLeod said. 

“John has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills in some of our most challenging times. We look forward to continued success at Moody Gardens under his direction.” 

Zendt’s experience includes working as director of operation at the Hotel Galvez, general manager of the Harbor House at Pier 21 and as assistant general manager and catering director of the Tremont House. 

He was a member for the Galveston County Restaurant Association board, president of the Texas Restaurant Association, member of Galveston Rotary International’s board, chairman of the Galveston County Health District, a member of the Ronald McDonald House board and serves on the Galveston Park Board of Trustees Tourism Development Advisory Committee.

Kurt Koopmann

Public Information Officer

Galveston County Health District

(409) 938-2211 or (409) 392-0007

kkoopman@gchd.org