Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Welcomes Hollie Colahan as New Executive Director

Press Release

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is proud to announce the appointment of Hollie Colahan as its next Executive Director, following the planned retirement of long-time leader Craig Ivanyi. With a career spanning more than two decades in conservation and leadership, Hollie brings a deep passion for wildlife stewardship, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a wealth of experience in transforming organizations through visionary leadership. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Museum, which continues to inspire and educate people about the beauty and importance of the Sonoran Desert.

Hollie will officially begin her role as Executive Director in early 2025, following a smooth transition period during which she will work closely with Craig Ivanyi and the Museum’s leadership team and Board of Trustees.

A Leader in Conservation

Hollie Colahan has built a distinguished career in the field of conservation, demonstrating her ability to lead transformative projects, enhance institutional standards, and foster collaborative and inclusive team environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Wildlife Science, bringing a solid academic foundation to her extensive practical experience.

One of the key highlights of Hollie’s career was her tenure as Vice President of Animal Care at the Denver Zoological Foundation, where she spent over eight years leading animal care and conservation programs. Under her leadership, the Denver Zoo achieved significant milestones in conservation efforts, while simultaneously elevating the guest experience. Her work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom further honed her skills in animal management, guest engagement, and strategic thinking.

Currently serving as Deputy Director at the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama, Hollie has continued her exceptional work in conservation and organizational leadership. At Birmingham Zoo, she has been instrumental in driving operational efficiency, enhancing revenue growth, and managing a large, diverse team of staff and volunteers. She has also been a leading voice in implementing Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, ensuring that the Zoo fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for staff, guests, and community members.

A Personal and Professional Connection to Arizona

Hollie’s appointment to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is particularly meaningful due to her long-standing connection to the state of Arizona. Having visited Arizona regularly since childhood, Hollie has developed a deep admiration for its unique desert landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. Her first visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum left a lasting impression on her, as she was captivated by the Museum’s commitment to showcasing the Sonoran Desert’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

“The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is such a special place, combining the best elements of a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and natural history museum. It’s unlike any other institution in the world,” Hollie said. “I’m incredibly excited to lead an organization that focuses on the local ecology and works toward impactful conservation outcomes, all while fostering a deep connection between visitors and the Sonoran Desert.”

In addition to her professional connection to the region, Hollie has personal ties to Arizona through her family, and she has always dreamed of making Arizona her home. The opportunity to lead the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum feels especially significant to her, as it allows her to combine her professional expertise with her personal love for the state.

A Vision for the Future of the Desert Museum

As Executive Director, Hollie is eager to build on the strong foundation established by her predecessor, Craig Ivanyi. During Craig’s tenure, the Museum made tremendous progress in animal care, conservation, and visitor engagement, while remaining deeply connected to the Sonoran Desert region. Hollie is committed to continuing this legacy of excellence while also leading the Museum into new and innovative directions.

“I’ve admired Craig’s work for many years, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with him during this transition,” Hollie said. “The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has such a rich legacy, and I’m excited to build on that while exploring new ways to expand our conservation impact, reach more audiences, and deepen our connections with the Tucson community.”

A student of leadership, Hollie is known for her ability to empower teams, cultivate inclusive environments, and implement strategies that drive both mission success and operational sustainability. She brings a strategic, visionary approach to her work, but she is also hands-on, willing to roll up her sleeves and work side-by-side with staff and volunteers to bring ideas to life. Her deep understanding of the importance of organizational culture, combined with her experience in both large and small institutions, makes her well-equipped to guide the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum into its next phase of growth.

Commitment to DEAI and Community Engagement

Hollie’s leadership philosophy is grounded in inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration. As a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, she has been instrumental in implementing programs that emphasize the value of diverse voices and experiences. At the Birmingham Zoo, located in a diverse community, she has helped lead efforts to build staff and community programs that are welcoming and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Her experience in this area aligns perfectly with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s ongoing efforts to engage with its surrounding communities, including Tucson’s bilingual and bicultural populations. Hollie is particularly excited to immerse herself in the local culture, learn more about the region’s ecology, and improve her fluency in Spanish to better serve the Museum’s diverse audience.

Looking Ahead

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is confident that Hollie Colahan’s leadership will inspire continued growth, innovation, and success. Her passion for conservation, combined with her commitment to inclusion and collaboration, will ensure that the Museum remains a leader in environmental education and wildlife stewardship.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Hollie as our next Executive Director,” said a representative from the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “Her unique blend of leadership skills, conservation experience, and personal connection to Arizona make her the perfect fit to guide the Museum into its next chapter.”

As Hollie steps into her new role, she looks forward to working with the Museum’s talented staff, dedicated volunteers, and passionate supporters to achieve even greater heights. With her at the helm, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will continue to inspire visitors to connect with the natural world and contribute to the preservation of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.