The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is undertaking its third Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), a training scheme which helps to identify and train the next generation of leaders in the field.

According to AZA, over the next decade there will be around 20 zoo or aquarium director openings every year. As a result, the AZA has been proactive with its ELDP scheme, which enters its third year, having started in 2014.

The training initiative, which in 2016 is made up of a class of 10 people, is designed to teach executive leadership behaviour, executive focus and executive oversight for zoo or aquarium operations. Within these categories, trainees will learn leadership skills, animal welfare and conservation development, business development, government and legal affairs, public relations, safety and security among other disciplines.

Additionally, a number of experience-based learning methods will help to develop crucial competencies from an executive role in zoos and aquariums. Participants will also benefit from leader/mentor relationships and teamwork exercises to address real-life issues.

The AZA initiative is an ongoing programme, with 2017’s class to be selected in Q3 of 2016.

The class of 2016 includes:

Brian Aucone, senior vice president for Animal Care & Conservation, Denver Zoo

Rich Bergl, curator of Conservation & Research, North Carolina Zoological Park

Jon Brangan, deputy director, Brevard Zoo

Norah Fletchall, Supervising VP of Operations, Indianapolis Zoo

Richard Glover, chief marketing officer, Texas State Aquarium

Sean Greene, VP of Guest Experience, Dallas Zoo

Doug Lund, assistant director, Utah's Hogle Zoo

Julianne Passarelli, Exhibits and Collections curator, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Scott Terrell, Animal Operations director, Animal Care, Health, and Science, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Allison Tuttle, DVM, diplomate ACZM, VP of Biological Programs, Mystic Aquarium