Topeka Zoo leaders name new interim zoo CEO as Brendan Wiley's last day approaches

The Topeka Zoo has an interim chief executive officer while its board conducts a search for Brendan Wiley's replacement.

Fawn Moser, who is manager of Topeka Zoo operations, will be the interim leader. Moser, who has worked at the zoo for almost 40 years, will assume the position after Wiley's last day Friday.

"With her extensive experience in zoo management and animal care, Ms. Moser is well-prepared to take on the role of interim CEO," members of the zoo's board said in a news release Monday. "Her passion for the Topeka Zoo is unparalleled and her commitment to the welfare of the animals in the zoo's care has been evident throughout her distinguished career."

When will Fawn Moser begin work as interim Topeka Zoo CEO?

Moser will focus on continuing the Topeka Zoo's mission of enriching our community through wildlife conservation and education, the release said.

Fred Patton, who is board president at the zoo, said Moser has been an integral part in the zoo’s recent achievements and will provide strong leadership during the transition.

"We work as a team at the zoo and that's not going to change," Moser told The Capital-Journal. "We look forward to what the future holds."

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Where is Brendan Wiley going?

Wiley became zoo director at a time of turmoil in May 2010. He leaves having restored the zoo's positive reputation, Patton said in September.

He will become director of the city-run Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas.

A Topeka CIty Council vote taken in February 2021 transitioned the zoo's daily operations from being overseen by Topeka's city government to being overseen by the private, nonprofit Friends of the Topeka Zoo. Also at that time, the zoo changed Wiley's title from director to CEO.

The zoo board was visiting with search firms and hoped to bring in a high-quality candidate who can build upon Wiley's accomplishments, Patton said after Wiley's announcement. The board will conduct a comprehensive, nationwide search, expected to take six to nine months.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: A new interim chief executive officer is hired for the Topeka Zoo