About Riverbanks

Alana Odom Williams has served as a member of the Riverbanks Park Commission since 2014, and currently holds the position of Chair. During her tenure, Williams has been instrumental in shaping Riverbanks’ future vision, including her involvement in the 2024 Bridge to the Wild bond referendum. Additionally, Williams played a key role in the national search for Riverbanks’ new Chief Executive Officer and has actively participated on the Finance/Audit committees.

An attorney by trade, Williams transitioned from her role as a business litigator at a national law firm to managing government strategic initiatives. Her commitment to community service is evident through Williams’ involvement in various organizations, including The Links Inc., where she is an active member of the Columbia chapter, and her roles as a board member for both Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Hope In Christ Ministries, as well as her membership in the Junior League of Columbia.

On a personal note, Williams is married to Derrick L. Williams, Esq., who is a former President of the Riverbanks Society Board and co-owner of Williams & Roche, LLC. Together, they have two children who have spent their formative weekends visiting their favorite Riverbanks animals and participating in zoo camps. Williams holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from Davidson College.

Learn more about Riverbanks Park Commission.

Deans Fawcett was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated from Hammond School and The University of South Carolina. After college, Fawcett moved to Washington, DC, and worked for Congressman Floyd Spence, Senator Strom Thurmond, and the 1988 George Bush Presidential Campaign before returning to Columbia to become an event planner.

Fawcett is an active community volunteer. She is involved in local elections, serves on the board of Hammond School, Riverbanks Zoo Society, Wofford Terrier Club, as well as Camp Cole, an accessible camp and retreat center for children, teens and adults with disabilities, illness and life challenges. Fawcett is also a member of the Junior League of Columbia, a volunteer for Trinity Cathedral, and Magnolia Way Venue.

Fawcett is married to Peter Fawcett, President of Republic National Distributing, mother of six children, and grandmother of three granddaughters. She has always had a love for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and makes many visits each year.

Learn more about Riverbanks Society.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the zoo and attractions industries, Thomas K. Stringfellow is only the third executive to oversee the Zoo in its 50-year-history. He began his career at Riverbanks in 2002 as director of marketing and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2011. Stringfellow was named president and CEO in August of 2017.

Prior to his tenure at Riverbanks, Stringfellow directed sales and marketing for various theme parks across the United States including Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Whitewater Water Park and American Adventures Family Entertainment Center and Six Flags Great Escape and Water Park.

For nearly two decades Stringfellow has been dedicated to ensuring Riverbanks’ continued growth, financial success and leadership in the field of conservation. During his inaugural year as president, Riverbanks was named Best South Carolina Attraction by readers of USA Today. The Zoo also welcomed nearly 1.3 million guests and celebrated numerous births including a giraffe calf, two western lowland gorillas, and five African lion cubs.

An active member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, he has served terms on the Marketing Advisory Committee for AZA and both the Columbia Metropolitan of Conventions and Visitors Bureau and Atlanta Convention and Tourism Board. He is an active member of the community and served on the Board of Directors for Palmetto Health’s Camp Kemo.

Stringfellow is a native South Carolinian and is married with two sons and one daughter.

With a deep commitment to employee growth and development, Christie Vondrak serves as the Chief Administrative Officer at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. She is dedicated to fostering a culture that empowers employees to reach their full potential. Overseeing human resources, IT, finance, and safety divisions, she plays a pivotal role in driving organizational success.

Vondrak’s nearly two decades of leadership have been instrumental in creating a positive and supportive work environment. Her strategic initiatives, including the Riverbanks 101 onboarding program and monthly Town Halls, have significantly contributed to employee engagement and retention.

Vondrak is known for her innovative approach to problem-solving and her ability to challenge the status quo. She is a strategic thinker who collaborates closely with the executive team to develop and implement long-term plans that align with Riverbanks’ mission. Vondrak builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Riverbanks Park Commission, Society Board Members, employees, volunteers, and community leaders.

In addition to her leadership and strategic initiatives, Vondrak is a member of several organizations, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Columbia Chapter of Society for Human Resources (CHSRM), and Society for Human Resources (SHRM). She is also a certified coach with Behavioral Essentials.

A visionary leader with a reputation for driving growth and innovation, Lochlan Wooten serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. For over 15 years, she has played a pivotal role in ensuring a world-class experience for guests and a thriving environment for animals.

Under Wooten’s leadership, Riverbanks engaged internal and external stakeholders to redefine the Zoo and Garden’s mission, completed a $10M renovation of the Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center, developed the inaugural conservation strategic plan, and continues to grow Riverbanks’ reputation as a hub for conservation and community connections.

Wooten is passionate about connecting people with nature and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. She has a proven track record of building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including legislators, community leaders, and Riverbanks Park Commission and Society Board, collaborating with zoos around the world to advance conservation efforts.

Active on various executive boards, Wooten contributes to Vital Connections of the Midlands, Friends of Epworth Children’s Home, Richland Memorial Hospital, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Wooten is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and graduate of Washington and Lee University.