DENVER/September 19, 2018 – Morris Animal Foundation, the largest worldwide nonprofit advancing animal health, announced today that Tiffany Grunert is the organization’s new President and CEO. Grunert, who joined the Foundation in 2017 as Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy, has been serving as Acting President/CEO since February 2018.
“After a highly competitive, nationwide search process, it became obvious to everyone on our selection committee that Tiffany was the right person to take on permanent leadership of the Foundation,” said Walt George, Chair of Morris Animal Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “She has shown that she is an inspiring colleague, collaborative partner and visionary leader.”
Morris Animal Foundation funds more than 200 scientific studies annually, contributing more than $118 million over 70 years to advance the health and well-being of animals around the world. The Foundation, established in 1948, is a critical player in advancing veterinary medicine, protecting endangered species and training new scientists. Grunert will be responsible for the overall management of growing the international organization with a $15 million annual budget, an $80 million endowment and 40 employees.
“With Morris Animal Foundation’s rich and beautiful history, and our bright future to continue to advance animal health, I am honored to serve as the next President and CEO,” Grunert said. “The Foundation’s Board of Trustees has entrusted me with an organization of enormous importance and deep value. I recognize the magnitude of our current efforts and the need to advance our strategic initiatives to grow our impact. We must ensure that there is always a robust resource to improve animal health.”
George noted that, as Acting President/CEO, Grunert ensured that the Foundation was effectively led during the seven-month search process, moving forward on many important fronts. She advanced major scientific initiatives, including the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and the Morris Animal Foundation Data Commons; finalized the Foundation’s 5-year strategic plan; streamlined financial processes; successfully launched a new brand strategy; and improved human resources operations.
“Tiffany brings a level of energy and commitment to our mission that is truly contagious,” said David Morris, Vice Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and grandson of Dr. Mark Morris Sr., who established the Foundation in 1948. “We look forward to a bright future for the Foundation, and a continuity of the impactful work that has already begun.”
Grunert began her career in broadcast journalism, working as a member of the news teams at KQTV in Missouri and KTWO/KKTU in Wyoming. She then joined Barnhart CMI as an account manager supporting the State of Wyoming’s Division of Tourism, before taking a position with the City of Westminster in public information. In 2004, Grunert combined her passion for animals with a desire to make a difference in the nonprofit sector and joined the Denver Zoological Foundation where she served on the leadership team.
Grunert received her Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Northwest Missouri State University, her Master of Science in political science from the University of Colorado, and she is an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
