2013 Honors and Awards Winners Applications Due May 1, 2013
It is once again time to share your successes and exceptional work! The applications and guidelines for each award can be found by visiting the links listed below, or in the column on the left. The awards will be presented at the 2013 AZA Annual Conference (September 7-12) hosted by the Kansas City Zoo.
Awards conferred via Nomination
R. Marlin Perkins Award for Professional Excellence
The 2010 honoree - Karen Sausman, President Emeritus, The Living Desert
The 2008 honoree - Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Deadline: December 15 annually
In 1978, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums established its highest award for professional excellence, named for its first recipient, R. Marlin Perkins. Only one recipient can be honored in any given year, and since the award criteria are lofty, it is anticipated that the award will not be given every year.
Nominations are accepted year-round and are due no later than December 15th of the year preceding the year in which the Award is to be conferred.
Honorary Membership Award
The AZA Board of Directors has instituted a moratorium on nominations for Honorary Membership while the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors are in the process of evaluating all membership categories.
AZA has created a special membership category to recognize both members and non-members who have made significant contributions to the profession. Candidates should not be working in the zoo or aquarium profession and are elected by the Board of Directors.
List of Honorary Membership recipients
Tim O'Sullivan Award for Professional Development
2012 Recipient: Kevin Willis, Director of Biological Programs, Minnesota Zoo
Deadline: April 30 annually
The Tim O'Sullivan Award for Professional Development recognizes significant long-term individual achievement and service to AZA members through the AZA Professional Development Program and the AZA Board of Regents.
Previous Winners
- 2008 Recipient: Margaret A. Dankworth, AZA Executive Director 1972 - 1975
- 2007 Recipient: John Hargleroad, Operations Director, Oglebay Park
- 2005 Recipient: Earl Wells, Retired Director, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (awarded posthumously)
- 2004 Recipient: Bruce Carr, PhD, AZA Director of Conservation Education
Wendy Fisher Award for Professional Excellence
The 2012 honoree - Kevin McNicholas, K-M Concessions and Service Systems Associates (SSA)
The 2010 honoree - Charles M. Davis, FAIA, EHDD Architecture
The 2007 honoree - Joyce Basel, Adventure Boutique, Inc.
Deadline: June 1 annually
Commercial Members who have demonstrated outstanding character, leadership, professional excellence and distinguished service to AZA and fellow Commercial Members. The award is named for its first recipient, Wendy Fisher.