Why AZA:
“It has never been more evident that conservation of wild life and wild places depends on winning the hearts and minds of people. People visit zoos and aquariums, so this is increasingly where we are going to protect wild life.”
Responsibilities:
Dan is charged with advancing AZA’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
Experience:
A lifelong wild life conservationist, Dan joined AZA in January 2017 after serving as the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for nearly six years. Following a 13-year career as a professional staff member of the former Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the U.S. House of Representatives, Dan held positions of increasing responsibility at the Service. They included assistant director for external affairs, chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System, science advisor to the director and deputy director.
Education:
Dan earned a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Florida State University and a graduate degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington.