Executive Officers
AAZK Board Vision: The Board of Directors of the American Association of Zoo Keepers will maintain the organization as a leader in the fields of animal care and conservation.
AAZK Board Mission: The Board of Directors of the American Association of Zoo Keepers exists to provide leadership for the AAZK Committees and Programs and the AAZK membership by operating in accordance with the overall Mission of AAZK.
Nicole Pepo
Nicole.Pepo@aazk.org
Areas of Responsibility
- AAZK Board Management
- Conservation, Regulation, and Education direct report
- Conservation Partner Management
Vice President and Ethics Chair
Joseph Nappi
Joseph.Nappi@aazk.org
Areas of Responsibilities
- Liaison Management
- Ethics
- Communication/NZKW, Diversity, and Recognition direct report
Board of Directors
Regulation Team
Regulation Team Vision: The Regulation Team envisions keepers at the forefront of knowledge related to the safety and welfare of animals, staff, and visitors.
Paul Brandenburger
Paul.Brandenburger@aazk.org
Oversights
- Education, Communication, and Recognition Committees
- Safety Committee
Education Team
Education Team Vision: The AAZK Education Team will seek to provide resources for AAZK members and Chapters while pursuing education and animal care training, continuing education and workshops in Latin America.
Russell Pharr
Russell.Pharr@aazk.org
Oversights
- International Outreach Committee
- AAZK Resource Committee
Recognition Team
Recognition Team Vision: The AAZK Recognition Team will recognize outstanding achievements and financially support conservation efforts and professional development of the AAZK membership.
Erika Defer
Erika.Derfer@aazk.org
Oversights
- Grants Committee
- Awards Committee
Conservation Team
Conservation Team Vision: The AAZK Conservation Team will connect members with conservation projects and sustainable environmental practices locally and globally, and will support new conservation initiatives worldwide.
Sara Bjerklie
Sara.Bjerklie@aazk.org
Oversights
- Conservation Team
- AAZK’s Bowling for Rhinos
- AAZK’s Trees for You and Me
Connection Team
Connection Team Vision: The AAZK Connection Team will ensure a well informed and professionally connected base while providing content and resources reflective of the needs of our members and current events in animal care.
Sarah Snider
sarah.snider@aazk.org
Oversights
- Communication
- National Zoo Keeper Week
- Diversity
AAZK Staff
Executive Director
Scott Soldat-Valenzuela
scott.soldat-valenzuela@aazk.org
Director of Professional Development and Conference Management
Bethany Bingham
Bethany.Bingham@aazk.org
Editor, Animal Keepers’ Forum
Shane Good
Shane.Good@aazk.org