After a national search to find a successor to the late Dallas Zoo’s CEO Gregg Hudson, one of the people that he mentored has been selected: Zoo Knoxville President/CEO Lisa New.
According to Dallas Zoo Marketing and Communications VP Kari Streiber, “Lisa has referred to Gregg as a mentor and inspiration. It was after doing an AZA accreditation at Dallas Zoo just over 10 years ago and talking with Gregg that she knew she wanted to throw her hat in the ring for the CEO position in Knoxville.”
In accepting her new role, Lisa said, “During my initial meetings with the search committee, it quickly became apparent that the Dallas team and I shared the same values. That is, a strong commitment to the well being of our animals, our staff and our guests to foster a culture that engages our community and protects wildlife. Several years ago, my friend and mentor, the late Gregg Hudson, inspired me to align my passion, profession, vocation and mission; if you are good at it, if the world needs it, and you get paid for it, that’s not a livelihood, that is your purpose. It has guided me ever since, and I am excited to begin this chapter with an iconic institution that has a long history of setting the standard that others follow.”
According to Dallas Zoo Board of Directors Chair Dawn Moore, “Our search committee felt we had an enormous task in front of us back in May when we began a national search for the Dallas Zoo’s next leader. Lisa quickly rose to the top of our list given her impressive career accomplishments that represent everything we were seeking in our new CEO. We found ourselves with the opportunity to bring in a well-respected and recognized leader with the ideal mix of skills to propel our Dallas Zoo to the next level, and we jumped at the chance. We can’t wait to see what Lisa and our talented Dallas Zoo team will achieve!”
Lisa’s journey to the Dallas role was a long time in the making, “ascending from an entry-level position on the zoo’s Conservation Science team, through the animal care and welfare ranks, into leadership roles, and eventually to leading Zoo Knoxville as its president and CEO for the past decade.”
With her start date being Monday, January 15, Lisa’s responsibilities will in a way double, since Zoo Knoxville is situated on 53 wooded acres compared to the Dallas Zoo’s 100-acre park.
* Photo provided by Dallas Zoo