Rob Vernon, senior vice president of communications and strategy for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is responsible for overseeing all communications functions. This includes public relations, social media, internal communications, public opinion polling, the AZA website and Connect magazine. Additionally, he is the primary spokesperson for AZA and the staff liaison to the Honors and Awards Committee, the Public Relations Committee, and the Trends Committee.
“I grew up hearing stories about zoo animals from my Sunday school teacher, who was also a veterinarian at my local zoo,” said Vernon. “Now I have the opportunity to tell incredible stories about the work AZA-accredited facilities are doing to save animals from extinction to the world.”
Before joining AZA, Vernon worked at two international public relations firms. There, he developed public affairs communications and public policy strategies for various corporate, government and non-profit clients. Prior to working in the private sector, he held senior positions with state and federal elected officials, on political campaigns, a trade association, and a political youth-focused non-profit.
Vernon collaborates with AZA members on coordinated communications campaigns, and is a member of the leadership team at AZA. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is currently conducting research and working to put an end to wildlife trafficking. “The public trusts AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums when talking about wild animals,” Vernon said. “Through this research we know that they trust us when we talk about the reasons illegal wildlife trade needs to stop.” AZA recently declared its support for big cat legislation in the US.