After a six-month national search, the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society has appointed Richard Molchany, former vice president of operations at The Morning Call in Allentown, as President/CEO of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
A lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, Molchany replaces Stacey Johnson, who left in June to become President/CEO of The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, California.
Molchany, 51, said the Zoo’s emphasis on “Smart Fun” resonates with him. “The Lehigh Valley Zoo should be as broad an attraction as possible,” he said. “We want to reach all the schools and play an integral part of the education process while being an appealing destination for parents, grandparents and families.”
Molchany plans to focus on building broad based partnerships and growing attendance while providing financial transparency.
“I want the Zoo to become an integral part of the Lehigh Valley, leading environmental education, wildlife conservation and family recreation. It’s important to offer every visitor who walks through our gates a memorable experience,” he said.
A graduate of Kutztown University, Molchany is active with many non-profit organizations, including the Allentown Boys & Girls Club. An avid sports fan, he has coached and directed a variety of local youth sports programs.
Gregg Marzano, interim board president of the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society, said, “Molchany’s talent and experience will provide us with the expertise and skills we need to continue to grow and support the Zoo well into the future.”
“Rick's experience running a round-the-clock operation with an emphasis on customer service and strategic planning is a perfect fit for helping us reach the short-term and long-term goals of the Zoo," Marzano said. “He’s also a lifetime resident of the Valley and the board felt that was an important qualification.”
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