Professional Development Committee Mission
- To oversee the development, administration, and assessment of the AZA's professional development and training programs
- To address course quality, grants, and its relationship with the George Mason University Graduate Program
- To survey the AZA's constituents regularly and look for opportunities for improving the courses.
Chair
Sharon Joseph, Houston Zoo
Vice Chair
Chris Gentile, Western North Carolina Nature Center
Advisors
Nancy Falasco, Brandywine Zoo
John Hargleroad III, Oglebay's Good Zoo
Alan Varsik, Oklahoma City Zoo
Board Liaison
Dennis Pate, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
AZA Staff Liaisons
Paul Boyle, Ph.D., Sr. VP of Conservation & Education
Nette Pletcher, Director of Conservation Education
Amy Rutherford, Professional Development Program Manager
Members
Jane Ballentine, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Bob Cisneros, San Diego Zoo
Hollie Colahan, Denver Zoo
Jana Durham, Hutchinson Zoo
Dan Hilliard, Ph.D, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
Cheryl Mell, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Patty Peters, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Scott Shoemaker, Sunset Zoo
Larry Sorel, Seneca Park Zoo
Steve Thompson, Lincoln Park Zoo
Cynthia Vernon, Monterey Bay Aquarium