Association of Zoos and Aquariums launches Director’s Edge executive leadership development series for CEOs and directors

Silver Spring, Md. (March 18, 2026) - The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is proud to announce the inaugural 2026 Director's Edge cohort, representing CEOs and directors from AZA-accredited zoos, aquariums and related organizations. Director's Edge is a new professional development series supporting executives navigating complex organizational dynamics, evolving workforce expectations, operational challenges and the growing need for strategic, people-centered leadership across the AZA community. Throughout the year-long program, Director's Edge participants will engage in experience-based learning, peer connection, reflection and executive-level skill development.

"I'd like to congratulate this inaugural Director's Edge cohort. AZA looks forward to supporting these CEOs and directors as they strengthen their leadership, build resilient organizations and shape the future of the zoo and aquarium profession," said Dan Ashe, president and CEO for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. "The impact of their dedication to lifelong learning will not only benefit their future career paths, but will positively impact their employees, the animals in their care and the visitors that walk through their doors."

The 2026 Director's Edge program is generously sponsored by Canopy Strategic Partners.

"Investing in our community's leaders and ensuring they have access to resources, tools and best practices continues to be a priority in Canopy's work. The future of the field depends on successful leadership, and our team is excited to support this group of executive leaders on their journey," said David Walsh, president of Canopy Strategic Partners.

2026 Director's Edge cohort members:

• Susan Altrui, zoo director, Little Rock Zoo
• Travis Burke, president and CEO, Georgia Aquarium
• Leigh Clayton, director, New York Aquarium
• Molly Deese, president of the aquariums, Herschend Family Entertainment
• Cristal Torres DeHerrera, acting president and CEO, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
• Jilian Fazio, director, Turtle Back Zoo
• Melissa Felder, interim executive director, CuriOdyssey
• Molly Gezella-Baranczyk, executive director, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
• Jessica Hart, president and CEO, ZooMontana
• Michael Hogan, executive director, Oregon Zoo Foundation
• Chris Jenkins, executive director, Virginia Zoological Park
• Ray Karasevich, president and CEO, Assiniboine Park Zoo
• Max Lakes, director, Peoria Zoo
• Nick Newby, director, White Oak Conservation Center
• Jose Romano, president and CEO, Zoo Miami Foundation
• Dr. Luis Soto Rendon, CEO / director general, Zoo Guadalajara
• Clint Taylor, director, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
• Jackson Thompson, zoo director, Dickerson Park Zoo
• Larry Warner, aquarium director, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Jessica Whiton, curator, Big Bear Alpine Zoo
• Brenda Young, zoo director, The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia
• Joanna Zazzali, director, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Director's Edge expands AZA's suite of leadership development offerings, including the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) and other professional development pathways, to ensure leaders at every career stage have access to meaningful and impactful growth opportunities. While ELDP develops leaders aspiring to become future Directors, Director's Edge provides targeted, ongoing support to those already in the role.

Additional virtual professional development opportunities for directors and CEOs will be offered over the course of the year with more information coming soon. For more information on professional development opportunities, explore courses here or email Kari Hart, director of professional development for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, at [email protected].

Download photo: Director's Edge Class of 2026

• Photo credit: © Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• Photo description: (Left to Right): Cristal Torres DeHerrera, Michael Hogan, Jessica Whiton, Melissa Felder, Molly Gezella-Baranczyk, Jackson Thompson, Leigh Clayton, Luis Soto Rendon, Clint Taylor, Jessica Hart, Jilian Fazio, Molly Deese, Susan Altrui and Brenda Young

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About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 253 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.