OMAHA — The Omaha zoo is getting a new director and chief executive from Florida.

Dennis Pate will take over at the Henry Doorly Zoo on March 16 from Dr. Lee Simmons.

Simmons is becoming chairman of the Omaha zoo’s foundation.

During Simmons’ rein, the zoo grew from 13 workers to more than 250 full-time and 300 part-time workers.

Pate comes to Omaha from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Florida, which he’s served as executive director since 2002.