Congratulating Lee Ehmke on his retirement as president and CEO of the Houston Zoo.

89(R) HR 780 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 780

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Lee Ehmke announced his retirement as president and

CEO of the Houston Zoo in September 2024, after nearly a decade of

dedicated service to that institution; and

WHEREAS, Hired in 2015, Mr. Ehmke has led the Houston Zoo in

becoming a premier wildlife conservation organization; his

accomplishments include completing the zoo's centennial campaign

and the first phase of its master plan, achieving a perfect

inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and

establishing a variety of unique exhibits; under his guidance, the

zoo has increased the reach and effectiveness of its wildlife

conservation efforts and created thousands of jobs in the Greater

Houston area; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ehmke previously served as director and CEO of

the Minnesota Zoo and as president of the World Association of Zoos

and Aquariums, and he worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society

at the Bronx Zoo for 12 years; in recognition of his achievements,

he received the Heini Hediger Award from WAZA, and he was named one

of the Most Admired CEOs by the
Houston Business Journal
in 2023;

and

WHEREAS, Lee Ehmke has made significant contributions to

advancing the mission of the Houston Zoo, and he may reflect with

pride on a career well spent as he embarks on the next exciting

chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby congratulate Lee Ehmke on his retirement as

president and CEO of the Houston Zoo and extend to him sincere best

wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for Mr. Ehmke as an expression of high regard by the Texas

House of Representatives.

Johnson

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 780 was adopted by the House on April

17, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 131, Nays 9, 2 present, not

voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House