Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has named Charles Curnow as its Executive Director. Curnow, who joined Fossil Rim in January 2025 as Director of Guest Experience, assumed the role the last week of April 2026, succeeding Dan Simon.
Curnow brings a career built at the intersection of mission-driven organizations and the people who visit them. He studied Biology at the University of North Texas and has held guest-services and membership roles at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Zoo. At Fossil Rim, his oversight spanned lodging, tours, admissions, the Overlook Café, the Nature Store, and on-site safety – experience that gave him a full, day-to-day view of how the center operates and what its guests value most.
“As Executive Director, my highest priority will always be ensuring Fossil Rim is best positioned to advance our mission of creating a better future for wildlife through our passion, place, and partnerships,” Curnow said. “Any growth we pursue is never an end in itself. It’s designed to strengthen the work we do across conservation, research, training, resource management, and education.”
A Glen Rose resident, Curnow framed the role as a personal responsibility to the surrounding community as much as to the center. “Our community isn’t a ‘market’ to me,” he said. “It’s our neighbors and local businesses, our trails, rivers, and wildlife.” For guests, he said his aim is to “spark intrigue, relay the importance of the work that happens here, and leave our visitors hungry for opportunities to engage further with our mission.”
Curnow steps into the role with momentum already building. Among the experiences ahead, Fossil Rim is preparing to reopen its Safari Camp, where guests will be able to take in the scenery and surrounding habitat from the deck of a luxury safari tent.
Reflecting on what has stayed consistent across more than four decades, Curnow pointed to a simple through-line: “What we’re doing here matters, we can and are making a difference, and everyone can be part of it.”
Members of the media seeking high-resolution images, additional information, quotes, or an interview with Charles Curnow are encouraged to contact Ashley Bevans, Director of Marketing & Development, at ashleyb@fossilrim.org or 254-898-4204.