AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has announced Melissa Howerton's appointment as executive vice president. With 18 years of experience at the Association, Howerton stepped into the role on 1 September 2026, succeeding Craig Hoover.
“Melissa is and has been a key AZA leader for 18 years,” says Dan Ashe, president and CEO at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“She has grown steadily and significantly during that time, consistently demonstrating her dedication and value to the Association. I’m grateful that she is willing to accept this new challenge and excited for the future with her in this crucial role.”
As executive vice president, Howerton will oversee all of AZA’s internal departments and assist the president, chief executive officer, and the Board of Directors.
A key AZA leader
“I am so excited and humbled by this opportunity,” says Howerton.
“I’m thankful for all the opportunities that AZA has provided for my continued professional growth and development over the years. I have had amazing mentors and am grateful to be in a career — and community — that I love.”
Howerton has over 25 years of experience in trade associations, including 18 years with AZA.
Recently, she was senior vice president of member services, overseeing the largest programme and staff for over nine years. She joined AZA in 2008 as director of conferences and membership, was promoted to vice president in 2011, and became senior vice president of member services in 2017.
Howerton began her career at the Newspaper Association of America, where she spent eight years assisting members with conference development and board advising.
She earned a BA in Speech Communications from George Mason University and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) through ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership.
Howerton takes over from Craig Hoover, who was AZA's vice president for seven years. Under Hoover, the Association promoted global wildlife protection by supporting the Big Cat Public Safety Act, establishing the Wildlife Confiscations Network, and growing AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction.
“My time at AZA has been the most rewarding of my career,” says Hoover. “I have every confidence that AZA will continue to grow and prosper under Melissa and the remarkable team that she will help lead.”
AZA will hold its 2026 Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, from 26 September to 1 October.
The event will bring together around 2,800 professionals from fields such as animal care, conservation, education, guest experience, operations, design, development, marketing, and public engagement—many of the key disciplines shaping the broader attractions industry.
Charlotte Blanco Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
