Meet AZA: Fall 2022

Shedd Aquarium Names Andrew Pulver as Vice President of Animal Care: Shedd Aquarium named Andrew Pulver as the aquarium’s Vice President of Animal Care. In this role, Pulver will oversee the aquarium’s animal care team, which is responsible for all aspects of animal operations including care and welfare, habitat development and maintenance, sustainability and breeding efforts and more. He will also provide strategic oversight for daily operations as the aquarium’s historic galleries undergo significant renovations over the next several years. Pulver joins Shedd after 20 years at the National Aquarium, where he most recently served as the aquarium’s Director of Husbandry.

Brookfield Zoo Names New Senior Vice President, Development, Kate Brueggemann to Lead Chicago Zoological Society Development Efforts: The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the world-famous Brookfield Zoo, has announced the appointment of Kate Brueggemann as their new Senior Vice President of Development, effective September 15. Her appointment completes an extensive search for a successor to Cindy Zeigler, who led the Society’s philanthropic and development efforts and spearheaded significant changes in the fundraising program over the past 14 years.

Toronto Zoo Appoints Director of Indigenous Relations: The Toronto Zoo in Toronto, Ontario, announced the appointment of Jennifer Franks as the director of indigenous relations. This is a new position for the Toronto Zoo, and the first of its kind in any Zoo in North America, which will help further our efforts in bridging social and conservation narratives to effect change.

Louisville Zoo Welcomes Associate Veterinarian: The Louisville Zoo welcomes a new associate veterinarian, Dr. Erica Lipanovich. Dr. Lipanovich came to the Louisville Zoo from the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where she was the staff veterinarian. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University College in 2004. She has worked at numerous Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities, including the Denver Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Dickerson Park Zoo and Oregon Zoo.

National Aquarium Promotes Ginna Newton to Senior Vice President, Chief Operating and Financial Officer: The National Aquarium is pleased to announce the promotion of?Ginna Newton?to senior vice president, chief operating and financial officer. Ginna joined the National Aquarium in 2021 and is responsible for overseeing the organization's finance-related activities, including business planning, budgeting and forecasting, as well as the Aquarium's people functions, including human resources, organizational development and volunteer engagement. In her expanded role, she now leads the operations and capital planning and design teams, under which the Aquarium's guest services, custodial, security and technology/AV departments are organized.

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Names New Director of Philanthropy: The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo has hired Gina Rapasadi of Clay as Director of Philanthropy. She is responsible for cultivating and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders to build effective strategies and sustainable revenue for major gifts in support of the zoo’s mission and strategic plan.

Meet Our New Director of Veterinary Care, Dr. Jamie Torres: Monkeys, and stingrays and turtles… oh my! These are just some of the animals Dr. Jamie Torres, our new director of veterinary care, has had the pleasure of working with over the course of her career. As an integral part of the Aquarium family, Dr. Jamie will continue leading the veterinary staff, and the Aquarium as a whole, into a bright future full of innovation, compassion and care.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Announces New Appointment: Monterey Bay Aquarium announces the appointment of Dana Allen-Greil as chief marketing officer (CMO), beginning January 1, 2023. Allen-Greil takes the helm from current CMO Mimi Hahn, who is retiring after a 35-year career at the Aquarium.

OKC Zoo announces hiring of COO: The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden announced that Trevor Leonard has joined the zoo as its chief operating officer. Leonard joined the OKC Zoo’s team in November and will oversee all components of several departments, including Buildings and Gardens, Conservation, Education and Science, Facilities, Guest Services and Risk Management.

Tennessee Aquarium Announces Changes To Human Resources Team: Mara-Lynne Payne, senior manager of inclusion, equity & diversity, was promoted to director of inclusion, equity & diversity. She has served in various roles since joining the Tennessee Aquarium 31 years ago. Leah Wilson, human resource manager, was promoted to director of human resources. Ms. Wilson has been part of the Aquarium team for 18 years and is very passionate about supporting the Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum and Hunter Museum employee and organizational needs. Lyndsey Johnson, human resources coordinator, was promoted to human resources manager. She has been a part of the Human Resources team for more than a year and is passionate about the Aquarium, its mission, organizational culture and employee engagement. Darleene Cole, volunteer manager, was promoted to senior program manager of volunteer services. She joined the Aquarium more than 30 years ago as one of the first membership associates, a role in which she assisted in developing the membership department.?