Dr. Hayley W. Murphy is making history and headlines with the recent announcement of her latest role. The Detroit Zoological Society has named Dr. Murphy as its director and chief executive officer. Becoming the zoo’s very first female director, the role is set to officially begin November 1.
In more than 93 years, The Detroit Zoological Society has never appointed a woman to its highest role. The veterinary doctor comes from Zoo Atlanta where she continually climbed the ladder to success with the help of increasingly responsible management positions.
“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. 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,” says Murphy. “My family and I are looking forward to living in the Detroit area and becoming part of this progressive and diverse community.”
To help solidify the doctor’s role in the position, a committee of the DZS Board and Koya Partners, an executive recruiting firm that specializes in serving mission-driven clients, searched for the right candidate for months before Murphy.
“Hayley 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, but her accomplishments as a scientist will also allow the DZS to continue growing as a leading animal and environmental research institution,” says Board Chair Tony Earley.
Dr. Murphy’s career includes more than 30 years of zoo experience and involvement with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. With proven expertise in conservation, animal welfare, and education, she also sits on AZA’s Ethics Board and professional development committee.
In her role with Zoo Atlanta, Dr. Murphy served as senior director of veterinary services and vice president of animal divisions before her promotion to deputy director. She is also one of the nation’s leading experts in gorilla cardiac health. In her continued care of the large primates, Dr. Murphy is also Director of the Great Ape Heart Project, an innovative, international, multi-institutional effort helping to investigate, diagnose and treat heart disease in great apes. The Detroit Zoological Society is an active participant in this initiative. The new CEO is also the national veterinary advisor for the Gorilla Species Survival Plan and the Ape Taxonomic Advisory Group.
“The Great Ape Heart Project was formed to address a specific need in the zoological community. It has since become an effort on a multi-institutional scope that is able to use advanced technology to continue to collect data that has been previously unavailable. This data can help to save lives,” says Dr. Murphy. “This is just the beginning of what the project is capable of, with a goal of improving the health of all great apes in human care.”
Highly educated, the doctor earned an Associates of Science from the State University of New York, and a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
With ties to Detroit, Dr. Murphy would spend childhood summers in metro Detroit and agrees with the mission to go to the Detroit Zoo. The current Executive Director and CEO, Ron Kagan, will be retiring after 28 years of service.
Built-in 1928, The Detroit Zoo has been a staple in the community and one of its most notable landmarks.
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