Ms. Furrer brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the cultural attractions industry, marked by a passion for connecting people to nature and the environment. Since joining Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in 2006 as its first-ever Marketing Manager, she has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in marketing, customer experience, public relations, and strategic planning. Her dedication and innovative approach quickly propelled her to the role of Director in 2009. During her tenure at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Ms. Furrer successfully managed complex budgets, educational programming, and high-impact project management for exhibits such as Gorilla Forest, Como Harbor, The Ordway Gardens, and Centennial Garden. She also played a pivotal role in increasing earned revenue and enhancing visitor experiences for the more than 100-year-old institution. Ms. Furrer earned her Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing and Management from Minnesota State University Mankato. Her journey in the cultural attractions industry began in high school, where she cultivated her passion for nature while working at ValleyFair Amusement Park and the Ted Paul Theater. She later advanced to become Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Mid-America Festivals, where she oversaw prominent events like the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and the Halloween Trail of Terror. Her leadership continued as Director of Marketing at Underwater Adventures Aquarium at the Mall of America, one of the nation’s premier attractions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Furrer is deeply involved in the parks and garden industry. She serves on the Scholarship Committee for the American Public Garden Association (APGA) and the Honors & Awards Committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), among other roles. Her dedication to fostering connections between people and nature has been the cornerstone of her career. As President and CEO, Ms. Furrer oversees the management and strategic direction of both Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park. https://myriadgardens.org/ Huge thank you to our sponsors. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum telling Oklahoma’s story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof The Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. www.chickasaw.net Dog House OKC - When it comes to furry four-legged care, our 24/7 supervised cage free play and overnight boarding services make The Dog House OKC in Oklahoma City the best place to be, at least, when they’re not in their own backyard. With over 6,000 square feet of combined indoor/outdoor play areas our dog daycare enriches spirit, increases social skills, builds confidence, and offers hours of exercise and stimulation for your dog http://www.thedoghouseokc.com Metro Ford of OKC is proudly serving Oklahoma City with vehicles you can rely on and service you can trust. It’s also why they’re Oklahoma’s Number One Performance Dealership. Shop the inventory today at www.metrofordofokc.com where the difference is Real. #ThisisOklahoma