Memphis Zoo today announced the retirement of President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Chuck Brady, after 38 years with the organization. Dr. Brady will step down from his role effective April 2019.
“Memphis Zoo will miss Chuck’s leadership,” stated Memphis Zoological Society Board President Tommy Farnsworth, III. “He has demonstrated and proven his ability to make Memphis Zoo a first-class organization for staff and guests alike. He has played an instrumental role in the overall transformation of the Zoo and his commitment to making Memphis Zoo a better place going forward, is recognized and appreciated.”
Dr. Brady began at Memphis Zoo in 1980 as Curator of Mammals. In 2003, he was named President & CEO. Dr. Brady played an integral part in bringing the giant pandas, “Le Le” and “Ya Ya” to Memphis from China in 2003. The acquisition put Memphis Zoo in the spotlight as one of only four zoos in the country to house giant pandas. The arrival of giant pandas also led to the expansion of the Zoo’s conservation and research activities. Memphis Zoo currently has 33 programs in 8 countries working together and Dr. Brady’s efforts have had a unifying effect in the Zoo’s recognition as a “world class” conservation and animal care facility. He has led the Zoo in providing a global voice for conservation, research, species reintroduction and overall animal welfare.
In addition, under Dr. Brady’s direction, the current master plan was completed, adding to the increase in attendance with more than one million visitors annually, and Memphis Zoo becoming the number one attraction in the area. Throughout his 38 years at the Zoo, 20 major exhibits have been completed and more than $118 million in renovations including state-of-the-art exhibits such as Northwest Passage, Teton Trek, and Zambezi River Hippo Camp.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve Memphis Zoo over the past nearly four decades,” shared Dr. Brady. “I have a deep appreciation for my time here and for the opportunity to work with so many talented and dedicated colleagues. I’ve seen tremendous change at the Zoo and I’m proud of where we are and the recognition we’ve received as a top Zoo in the country. We’ve worked together toward a common goal and I’m tremendously optimistic about where Memphis Zoo is headed.”
“The contributions of the Memphis Zoo to our community are enormous,” said Richard Smith, President & CEO FedEx Trade Networks and Vice Chair of Memphis Zoo board. “Our Zoo is a top attraction amongst Memphians and visitors alike, and it is with great pride that our citizenry boasts about our world-class, family-friendly zoo. We thank Chuck for his many years of leadership of this beloved institution.”
“For 38 years, Chuck Brady has been a mainstay at the Memphis Zoo,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “As CEO since 2003, Chuck helped raise approximately $80 million in major capital improvements–$60 million from private funds, and led the charge to make our Zoo one of the highest ranked zoos in the country. He will be missed.”
Memphis Zoo Board of Directors will form a Search Committee to find Dr. Brady’s successor. The board will use a national executive search firm to facilitate the search. A job announcement will be released in the upcoming weeks.
