AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has revealed the latest roster of participants chosen for its Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP).
Ten experienced aquarium and zoo professionals were selected for the AZA’s prestigious development program which is its eighth year. EDLP’s primary goal is to further develop executive talent and leadership for individuals who can demonstrate both the interest and ability to advance to Director roles at an accredited AZA facility within the next five years.
Dan Ashe, AZA president and CEO says “It is critical for any profession to proactively develop its leadership pipeline, and that is precisely why we created the Executive Leadership Development Program.”
Nurturing industry talent
The ELDP focuses on the development of executive competencies, as well as the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to be effective as an aquarium or zoo director. AZA’s competency model emphasises three tiers:
- Executive Leadership Behaviours, defining the heart and values of an effective leader and the leadership approach needed to “Inspire, Model, Challenge, Enable and Encourage” others to deliver on the facility’s mission.
- Executive Focus, defining the skills and knowledge needed to sustain viable institutions and be an effective executive participant in AZA forums to advance the mission.
- Executive Oversight for Zoo/Aquarium Operations, defining the knowledge and skills required to provide executive oversight for operations at an institutional level.
Class of 2022
AZA has announced its latest AZA ELDP cohort will consist of the following industry leaders:
- RoxAnna Breitigan, director of animal care at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Hollie Colahan, VP of living collections at Birmingham Zoo
- Alistair Dove, VP of science and education at Georgia Aquarium
- Jennifer Driban, SVP/chief mission Officer at National Aquarium
- Charles Hopper, chief operating officer for Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Bob Lee, associate director at ABQ BioPark
- Bonnie Mendoza, chief operating and financial officer at Phoenix Zoo
- Luis Padilla, DVM Dipl. ACZM, VP of animal collections at Saint Louis Zoo
- Dave Ruhl, VP of operations and campus planning at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Mandi Schook, Ph.D., science operations director for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment
Ashe continues: “This group of candidates stepped forward because they are committed to the advancement of the zoological profession and their own personal growth and development. The 2022 class consists of an exceptional and diverse group from various professional backgrounds, who will bring their unique experiences and vision to the program, helping AZA to develop future leaders in our community.”
Director of professional development and education for AZA Amy Rutherford says “We are so excited to welcome a new ELDP cohort. This year, we had an enormous interest in the program, with far more applicants than available spots, which is a testament to its worth.
“So far, twenty ELDP graduates have become directors of AZA-accredited facilities, with many more moving into other leadership positions. This program is an incredible opportunity for these professionals to gain experience and develop relationships with current executives and leaders in the AZA community.”
The first in-person work session for the new cohort will be at the upcoming AZA Directors’ Policy Conference on 31 January and 1 February 2022.
The AZA recently celebrated member achievements and granted accreditation to twenty-two facilities during a virtual industry conference.
Headline photo: Kansas City Zoo
