Grant Spickelmier, former curator at the Minnesota Zoo, will be the new executive director of the International Wolf Center.
Spickelmier, who begins his new post in January, comes with 25 years of experience in wildlife education and zoo leadership in Minnesota and Oregon, the center said in a statement.
Spickelmier replaces Rob Schultz, who left in May for a position with the National Audubon Society
“Grant brings the skills and experience the center needs to help spark public awareness and dialogue based on powerful science-based wolf education,” said Nancy Jo Tubbs, the center’s board chair.
Spickelmier will lead a staff of 16 at the interpretive center in Ely, Minn., and the organization’s Minneapolis office where he will be based.
“Since I first heard a wolf howl in northern Minnesota, I’ve been hooked on helping this species recover in the United States,” he said.
Spickelmier created programs about wolves for the Minnesota Zoo and has led travel programs in Alaska and Minnesota. He co-wrote the “WolfQuest” internet game used at the center.
Spickelmier was chosen by the center’s board in partnership with Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search.