The Zoological Association of America (ZAA), one of the largest non-profit wildlife organisations in the country, has announced the appointment of animal-welfare scientist Kelly George, PhD as executive director. Dr George stepped into the role on 1 March and will work alongside outgoing executive director John Seyjagat until his retirement after six years of service to ZAA at the end of the month.
Dr George will develop and support ZAA’s strategic plan, which will cover animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and accreditation by connecting the organisation’s membership base to partners who have a stake in ZAA’s mission. This will build on the strong organisational growth sustained during Seyjagat’s tenure.
A “perfect match” for ZAA
Before taking on this new position, Dr George worked as an associate professor of professional practice at her alma mater, the Ohio State University, where she co-led the Center for Human-Animal Interactions Research & Education for five years, served as a faculty member of the Department of Animal Sciences for seven years, advised and mentored student researchers, and travelled widely to develop an international perspective.
She is a founding member of the KUZO Group, a company that offers consultation services in animal welfare, behaviour, and training, a member of the Wendy’s Animal Welfare Council, a conservation auditor for American Humane, a member of the Managerial Advisory Board for the nonprofit organisation WorthWild Africa, and the chair of ZAA’s Animal Welfare Committee. Since 2014, she has coauthored nine articles (with a further three undergoing peer review) and has given 18 speeches at conferences.
Dr George has studied the relationship between people and animals with a focus on welfare and behaviour. Specifically, she has looked at how animal welfare principles can be applied in controlled environments and how empathy, personal ethics, and value orientations affect decisions about how to treat and manage animals.
Holly Hunt, chair of ZAA’s board of directors, says: “As a seasoned educator, community leader, researcher, organizational manager, conservationist and animal-welfare advocate, Dr George’s impressive resume and unique skill set are the perfect match for ZAA. We are eager to work alongside Dr George as she leverages her expertise to expand upon the momentum John has created and lead our growing organization into the future.”
ZAA is now accepting conservation grant applications for 2023, and proposals will be accepted until 15 April.
