|
You are here: Home > Accreditation > Accreditation Inspector Mark Reed |
2005 Accreditation Inspector of the Year
Mark Reed: Operations / Husbandry
Executive Director, Sedgwick County Zoo
Mark Reed has been an accreditation inspector for thirteen years. During that time he has participated in fourteen inspections, serving as team chair for all but three. Of all the things Mark does for AZA, he admits his passion is accreditation. In addition to performing inspections, Mark also provides the Accreditation Commission an invaluable service by volunteering his time mentoring institutions preparing to undergo the accreditation process.
Mark's passion for a career in the zoo industry was ignited by growing up at the Smithsonian's National Zoo where his father, Dr. Ted Reed, was Zoo Director from 1958 until 1983. Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Kansas State University in 1972. His education continued at Texas Tech University where he was awarded a Master of Science in Park Administration in 1976.
In addition to being a full time student, Mark began working as a zookeeper at the San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium in 1972. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Mark was appointed General Curator at the San Antonio Zoo from 1974-1979. His commitment to excellence led to his appointment to Assistant Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo in 1979. After serving as Assistant Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo for twelve years, Mark was appointed Executive Director in 1991.
Busy with daily operations and future development, Mark manages to be an active member of AZA and has been since 1972. He served on the Ethics Committee from 1996-1998 and the Board of Directors from 1997-2004, acting as President from 2002-2003. Mark has served on numerous other AZA committees and conservation programs. In addition to his work with AZA, Mark has been an active participant in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) since 1991. He has been a WAZA Council Member from 2003-2005.
© Copyright 2008 Association of Zoos and Aquariums. All Rights Reserved.