Friends of the Zoo names Murray new director of operations

SYRACUSE — Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo has appointed Lorrie Murray as its new director of operations.

Murray will oversee volunteer services, gift shop, and food operations at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. She will also administer the zoo’s IT services and handle project management.

“Lorrie served in three previous positions in her eight-year tenure at the zoo. She is an invaluable member of our team and brings a profound institutional understanding to her new role,” Janet Agostini, president of Friends of the Zoo, said in a news release.

Murray began working at the zoo in 2004 as an assistant gift shop manager. In 2007, she was promoted to membership manager. By 2010, her title was changed to membership manager and IT administrator to encompass her role as a liaison for various IT support teams, according to Friends of the Zoo.

Murray holds an associate degree in business administration from Cayuga Community College. She has more than 25 years experience in quality control, operations, and customer service.

Founded in 1970, the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) support organization to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, which is operated by Onondaga County Parks. The Friends of the Zoo supports the zoo with marketing efforts, as well as fundraising and development activities. The nonprofit operates the gift shop, catering department, and the Jungle Café. It also provides educational programming to zoo visitors and the surrounding community.

Contact Carbonaro at mcarbonaro@cnybj.com