The Myriad Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation have named Michelle Furrer as the new president and CEO of both organizations, effective March 1, 2025. Furrer joins Oklahoma City after nearly two decades at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she rose from the zoo’s first marketing manager to director. She led projects such as Gorilla Forest, Como Harbor and The Ordway Gardens while overseeing education programs and operations at the more than 100-year-old institution. Her connection to OKC started with a visit in spring 2023, when she attended a zoo conference at the city’s new convention center. On a break, she walked through Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park. “I just had this feeling about the city when I was there,” Furrer said. “I couldn’t have imagined the number of cultural attractions, the food scene—all of that—when I thought of Oklahoma City.” That first spark grew into a career shift. By August 2024, a recruiter reached out, and Furrer decided to pursue the opportunity here after her interest in the city during her 2023 trip. After several visits for interviews, MYRIAD GARDENS AND SCISSORTAIL PARK NAME NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
Furrer said each trip confirmed her sense that OKC was building momentum, stating, “There was something great happening in this community, and I really felt like I wanted to be a part of it. And now, about a year later— here I am.” Furrer said OKC held the same sense of community that the Twin Cities did around 20 years ago—something that has been quieter in the area in recent years.
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