Zoo New England announces today that Grace Fey, President of Grace Fey Advisors, has taken the reins as Chair of Zoo New England’s Board of Directors. Fey was voted in as Chair during Zoo New England’s June 24 Board meeting.

Fey has a long history with Zoo New England, the non-profit organization that operates and manages Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Mass. She previously served as a Board chair from 1996 to 2010, and in 2025 re-joined the Zoo New England Board.

“I’m really excited to be back working with Zoo New England and my fellow Board members in this capacity. Zoo New England has grown tremendously through the years, and is a true leader in cutting-edge science and research, exceptional animal care, top-notch programming, and the continued expansion of our mission-focused local and global conservation work,” said Fey. “I’m honored to be leading the Board as we build on the tremendous progress made, and work hard to fully realize the vision for these two beloved attractions.” 

Fey replaces Colin Van Dyke, who served on Zoo New England’s Board of Directors for 13 years, including the past five years as the Board Chair. Under Van Dyke’s leadership, Zoo England achieved record attendance growth, exceeding more than 1 million in combined annual visitation for four consecutive years, expansions in mission-delivering education and conservation programming and partnerships, and the successful completion of two major capital projects at Franklin Park Zoo – Gorilla Grove in 2022 and the African Experience, including the new Penguin Coast, that opened last month.

“We are deeply committed to furthering our mission to preserve and protect wildlife and habitats, while providing opportunities for people of all ages to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This commitment requires great vision, passion and creativity, and we are fortunate to be working with such a dedicated Board that shares our focus,” said Stephanie Brinley, Zoo New England President and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to Colin for all that he’s done for Franklin Park and Stone Zoos, and we are looking forward to working closely with Grace as we continue to move the Zoos forward.”

Fey currently serves as a Trustee and Chair of the Compliance Committee of the John Hancock Financial Services Funds and is on the Board of Directors of the Fiduciary Trust Company. She is also the Chair of the Investment Committee and a Trustee of the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation, a member of the UMass Foundation Board and member of the Investment Committee, a member of the Animal Rescue League Board of Directors, a member of Board Leaders and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Trustee Emeriti at GBH and Chair Emeritus of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.  

Fey is a former member of the Board of Trustees of Tufts Medical Center, and a former Chairperson of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees.  She is a former member of the Board of Higher Education, which oversees State and Community Colleges, a former member of the Board of Directors of Huntington Theatre Company, and former Chair of the Commonwealth Institute. She also formerly served as a member of the Board of Mass Development and Finance Agency as well as a former Director of The Boston Foundation.

Fey has earned an Advanced Professional Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors, holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.