EcoTarium names Texas wildlife, museum leader as new president

Photo | Courtesy Lucy Hale, outgoing president and CEO of the EcoTarium

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By Zachary Comeau

Former Texas-based wildlife, museum and zoo leader Lucy Hale will replace Joe Cox as president of Worcester children's museum EcoTarium.

The museum announced Hale’s selection by its search committee Monday.

Hale, who takes over Aug. 20, boasts a breadth of experience as the leader of nonprofits in science, nature and wildlife fields, the EcoTarium said in Monday’s announcement.

“I am honored to be a part of this vibrant and historic institution,” Hale said, adding she is impressed with the museum’s commitment to education.

She’s been director of Trinity River Audubon Center in Dallas since 2016 and has held other leadership positions at Texas wildlife and nature centers, including as director of school programs at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and education manager at the Dallas Zoo & Children's Aquarium.

“After a seven-month international search, Lucy emerged as our top candidate due to her expertise, results-orientation, and collaborative approach to leadership,” said EcoTarium Board of Trustees chair Paul Belsito. “Her background is the ideal mix of educator, programs/exhibits developer, curator, and fundraiser.”

Hale joins the EcoTarium as it continues to set new attendance and membership records amid the museum's final phase of its Third Century Plan fundraising and development campaign, which has included new exhibits like City Science.

“We have similar core values – to cultivate natural curiosity and lifelong learners from an early age," Hale said. "It is thrilling to join this institution at an important time for education in the Worcester community as well as the commonwealth.”

Hale replaces Cox, who stepped down from the post in January after six years to become CEO of the Museum of Science & Discovery in Fort Lauderdale. Trustee Patty Eppinger had been serving as interim president during the EcoTarium search.