PRESS ROOM

 

Lloyd A. Semple has been named chairman of the board of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).  The election was held June 17, 2015, at the DZS annual board meeting.  

Semple succeeds Gail L. Warden, who assumes the role of chairman emeritus after serving as chairman for 10 years.  

“Gail has been a spectacular board chair.  He was instrumental in the Zoo’s transition from city governance and management, the success of the regional millage effort and advancing many improvements at the Society,” said Ron Kagan, DZS executive director and CEO.   “We all look forward to Lloyd’s leadership in this key position.”  

Semple also serves on the DZS executive, community and government relations and Greenprint committees.  

“While Gail’s shoes will be tough to fill, I look forward to leading an organization that I love and have watched survive and thrive for nearly five decades,” said Semple.  

As chairman emeritus, Warden will continue to work closely with Semple and other members of the DZS board and staff.

“It has been a great honor to serve as chairman during this time of change and growth.  I remain passionate about the Zoo’s mission and dedicated to helping it continue to flourish and prosper,” said Warden.  “Lloyd is an exceptional successor and we are fortunate to have an individual with his commitment, experience and abilities assume the chairmanship.”

One of Detroit’s top legal professionals, Semple served as dean of University of Detroit Mercy School of Law from 2009 to 2014, where he had been a professor of law for five years, teaching courses on corporate governance and director responsibilities.   Prior to that, he practiced law for more than 40 years with Dykema Gossett PLLC, where he served as chairman and chief executive officer before retiring in 2004.

Semple’s public service also includes positions as chairman of the board of the Detroit Medical Center, vice chairman of the National Audubon Society and chairman of the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.  

The DZS also elected four new board members for a three-year term at Wednesday’s annual member meeting.  They are: Karen Dumas, president, Images & Ideas, Inc.; Doreen Hermelin, community leader; Bonnie Larson, community leader; and attorney William Wolfson, counsel to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.  In addition, attorney Dawn Lee-Cotton was appointed to the DZS board by the Wayne County Zoological Authority.