The National Parks Association of NSW (NPA), a large membership based conservation group, has appointed Kevin Evans as its new Executive Officer, NPA President, Graeme Wiffen, announced today.

Kevin Evans has a strong background in zoology and zoos. He emigrated to Australia from Wales in 1989 to work for Taronga Zoo, where he held positions within the Life Sciences Department and at the Australian Conservation Training Institute.

“Kevin’s most recent appointment was with the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia as Director, Conservation Ark and Life Sciences, where he oversaw a $50m infrastructure development program at Adelaide Zoo in preparation for the arrival of Australia’s Giant Pandas,” said Mr Wiffen.

“Kevin has extensive project management and organisational experience and was second in charge of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia with over 220 employees, a membership of over 28,000 and with a large volunteer program,” explained Mr Wiffen.

“Kevin is a passionate advocate for community based conservation initiatives, which he sees as a compelling and legitimate voice, helping to deliver measurable and sustainable conservation outcomes.

“Until his relocation to NSW, Kevin was the Acting President of the Conservation Council of South Australia, and is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University,” said Mr Wiffen.

Mr Evans said. “I am honoured and excited to work for an organisation with such a proud history of success in the conservation movement. My arrival coincides with significant conservation challenges throughout NSW, making the role of environmental NGO's like NPA critical in helping to deliver tangible conservation outcomes”.

Media Contact: Kevin Evans (02) 9299 0000 or 0457 797 977