Accreditation Commission

Mission

Establishes, upholds and raises the highest zoological and aquarium industry standards. Reviews applications for accreditation and certification, conducts interviews, identifies concerns, and evaluates the information in order to make final decisions. Monitors accredited institutions, maintains and writes professional standards, and provides mentoring, training, and guidance.

Chair
Craig Piper, Central Park Zoo

Vice-chair
Allison Tuttle, Mystic Aquarium

Members
Thom Demas, Tennessee Aquarium
Stacey Johnson, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Michael Murray, DVM, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Chris Pfefferkorn, Birmingham Zoo
Sam Rivera, Zoo Atlanta
Jeff Sailer, Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Brandie Smith, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Joseph Smith, The Wilds
Scott Terrell, DVM, The Seas
Alan Varsik, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium/Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Lindsey Zarecky, Greensboro Science Center

Advisors
Dwight Lawson, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Amos Morris, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
Rich Toth, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Board Liaison
Luis Padilla, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

AZA Staff Liaisons
Craig Hoover, Executive Vice President
Jennifer DiNenna, Vice President, Accreditation Programs