Meet AZA: Summer 2023

Philadelphia Zoo Names Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman to Lead America’s First Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo announced that Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman will assume the role of president and chief executive officer beginning 30 October. Succeeding Vikram Dewan’s 16+ year tenure leading the institution, Dr. Mogerman comes to Philadelphia as its 15th President and first female president and chief executive officer in its 164-year history.

Turtle Survival Alliance Names Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux President and CEO: The Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation announced that Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, a well-regarded conservation biologist, has been named President and CEO, effective on the 5th of September 2023.

Friends of WNC Nature Center announce new executive director, director of development: The board of directors of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center is pleased to welcome Kate Frost as the next executive director of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. Frost began her role as executive director on July 1 after the retirement of Karen Babcock, who had served as executive director since September 2018. Frost worked alongside Babcock for four years as the nonprofit’s development and marketing director.

Oklahoma City Zoo Names Holly Ray as Curator of Birds: The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently announced the promotion of Holly Ray, as curator of birds. Ray will oversee all the Zoo’s many species of birds, while managing day-to-day operations and supporting the Zoo’s conservation efforts and programs related to the endangered species in her care.

Shandra Cummings Named Chief of Staff at the Virginia Aquarium: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has selected Shandra Cummings as the new chief of staff. Cummings joined the Virginia Aquarium in March 2023 as the executive assistant to the director and will now take on this role as the primary liaison with the City of Virginia Beach’s Human Resource department, where she will be responsible for leading the human resource function at the Aquarium.

Andrea Rodgers joins Chicago Zoological Society as Senior Vice President of Guest Experience and Operations: The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which manages Brookfield Zoo Chicago announced Andrea Rodgers as the new senior vice president of guest experience and operations. She will serve as a key member of the executive team, overseeing guest services and marketing and communications teams, as well as the partnership with SSA Group for contracted food, beverage, retail, and catering operations.

Neisha Jones Fills New Director of People and Culture Role at the Alaska SeaLife Center: The Alaska SeaLife Center announced that Neisha Jones has been chosen to become the center’s first Director of People and Culture. In this newly created executive leadership position, Jones will serve as the organizational lead for all human resources and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) functions.

Friends of the Zoo Promotes Allison Walts to Executive Chef: The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo are proud to announce the promotion of Sous Chef Allison Walts to executive chef.?Walts joined the Friends of the Zoo’s Catering department as sous chef in July 2021, but has enjoyed collaborating with Chef Dan for 13 years.