The Zoological Association of America (ZAA), one of the largest non-profit wildlife organisations in the country, has announced the planned retirement of one of its directors.
Following more than four decades of service to the zoo and aquarium industry, and six years with the ZAA, the association’s current executive director, John Seyjagat is set to retire on 31 March 2023.
Seyjagat says “I am very proud of my ZAA affiliations, its beginnings and where it is today,” says My family has also grown over the years with the addition of seven grandchildren. In retirement, I wish to spend more quality time with my grandchildren. I plan on staying professionally engaged in the industry, although in a lesser role.”
Delivering organisational growth
Seyjagat is a founder member of ZAA and has served the organisation as an Accreditation Inspector, Accreditation Committee Chair, Membership Committee member, Board Member, and, most recently, Executive Director. As executive director, Seyjagat was crucial in formulating ZAA’s Strategic Plan, raising the bar on accreditation, developing ZAA’s Accreditation Standards, and growing membership during a time which included the COVID-19 pandemic and most recently, Hurricane Ian.
Chair of the board, Dr Barbara Bake, adds: “ZAA has seen incredible accomplishments throughout the course of John’s leadership, especially in his strong emphasis on improving accreditation standards.
“Membership levels have tripled to an all-time high, making ZAA the fastest-growing zoological association in America. In all aspects, the association has improved under John’s leadership. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish John the absolute best in his retirement.”
The Zoological Association of America has now launched a national search for a qualified individual to fill the role of executive director.
Further information on the position can be found on the ZAA website, or be attained by emailing administrative director Meg Lampert. Interviews for the executive director position are set to commence in January 2023.
Headline image courtesy of Jeremy Enlow and Fort Worth Zoo, Texas, a ZAA-accredited facility
