The Detroit Zoological Society announced it has named Dr. Hayley W. Murphy director and CEO, making her the Detroit Zoo’s first female director.
Murphy most recently served as deputy director of Zoo Atlanta, where she was promoted through increasingly responsible management positions. Her appointment follows a month-long search led by the DZS Board of Directors and Koya Partners.
“(Murphy) is an incredibly successful and respected leader who is often praised for being a strong listener, investing in relationships and showing compassion in all that she does. Not only is she a superb zoo executive, her accomplishments as a scientist will allow the DZS to continue growing as a leading animal and environmental research institution,” says Tony Earley, board chair.
Murphy also serves as director of the Great Ape Hearth Project, an international multi-institutional effort aimed at investigating, diagnosing, and treating heart disease in great apes. She also serves as the national veterinary advisor for the Gorilla Species Survival Plan and the Ape Taxonomic Advisory Group.
Murphy earned an associate’s degree from the State University of New York, and her bachelor’s and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Cornell University.
“I am thrilled to join the Detroit Zoological Society and to work with such a dedicated board of directors, zoo staff and the greater Detroit community to continue the history of excellence and innovation for which the Detroit Zoo is known,” says Murphy.
“Animal welfare, education, research, and community engagement are critical to the future of our planet, and I am excited to lead an organization so clearly aligned with this mission. My family and I are looking forward to living in the Detroit area and becoming part of this progressive and diverse community.”
