Committee Sign Ups!

Get Involved: Join an AZFA Committee in 2026!

Did you know AZFA is 100% volunteer-run? That’s right—everyone behind the scenes is just like you: working in zoos and aquariums, juggling projects, and still finding time to help this amazing organization grow.

We’re always looking for passionate, creative, and slightly zoo-weary folks to join our committees. If you’ve ever had an idea for how to make the conference better, raise more funds, recruit more members, or just want to be more involved—this is your moment.

Even just a little time each month can make a big difference. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others, share ideas, and help shape the future of AZFA.

I’ll be sending out committee meeting invites in January, and I’d love to see your name on that list! Here’s what you can sign up for:

• Membership Committee – Help recruit and retain members. Bring your charm!
• Conservation Committee – Review Clark Waldram Grant applications and help fundraise for the Clark Waldram Fund.
• Conference Planning Committee – Plan sessions, pick food, recruit vendors, and make the magic happen.
• Professional Relations Committee – Help grow our vendor base and build lasting partnerships.
• Publications & Website Committee – Assist with The Outlet and keep our website fresh and functional.
• Honors & Awards Committee – Promote awards, review nominations, and make sure our rockstars get recognized.

If any of these sound like your jam—or even if you’re just curious—reach out! We’d love to have you on board.

Let’s make 2026 our best year yet—together.

Contact Nikki at Nikki.Dzialowy@NWTrek.org if you'd like to join a committee. 

2025 HONORS and Awards

Presidents Honor Award – 2025 Recipient: Dan Smith and Hogle Zoo

The Presidents Honor Award recognizes individuals or teams who exemplify AZFA’s mission through outstanding contributions in conservation, sustainability, animal welfare, and excellence in facilities. This year, we are proud to honor Dan Smith and the Hogle Zoo team, whose dedication and excellence truly set a new standard.

In 2025, Hogle Zoo achieved a remarkable milestone—earning a perfect AZA accreditation inspection, one of only ten zoos ever to do so. This rare accomplishment reflects their unwavering commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and operational excellence. Their facilities stood out with zero major or minor concerns, showcasing the depth of their preparation and passion.

Beyond accreditation, Hogle Zoo also went above and beyond in hosting this year’s AZFA conference, demonstrating their mission-driven spirit and collaborative leadership. Congratulations to Dan and the entire Hogle Zoo team for this well-deserved recognition!

Conservation Honor Award – 2025 Recipient: Mallory Geresy

The Conservation Honor Award celebrates individuals who embody what it means to be part of a conservation-driven organization—those who make intentional choices and take meaningful actions to support sustainability and environmental stewardship.

This year’s honoree, Mallory Geresy, is a true rock star in the world of sustainability. Mal is a driving force behind waste and utility initiatives at her zoo, playing a key role in the journey toward zero waste—including the successful execution of zero waste events, a major achievement for any institution.

Her impact doesn’t stop there. Mal dives deep into utility data, translating it into actionable insights that have led to significant savings and improvements across the facilities team. Her ability to make complex information accessible and useful has pushed her team to new heights.

Whether she’s supporting conservation efforts, implementing green policies, or simply being a positive and genuine presence on the team, Mal exemplifies what it means to be mission-driven. Her dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset—and a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Conservation Honor Award.

Safety Honor 2025 Recipient: Erin McNally

Safety Honor Recipient: Erin McNally

We are proud to recognize Erin McNally as this year’s Safety Honor Recipient. Erin has dedicated over 16 years to the zoological industry as a Credentialed Veterinary Technician, with a deep commitment to both human and animal safety. In 2019, she transitioned from a traditional zoo role to serve as a Relief Veterinary Technician through Wildlife Aquatic Zoo Relief, supporting facilities across the country.

Erin is a passionate advocate for safer practices in animal care, particularly through her promotion of the Two-key/Two-lock system for working with potentially dangerous animals. She currently serves as Chair of the ZAA Safety & Security Committee and has been a trusted advisor to the AZA Safety Committee for the past seven years. Erin also plays a critical role in emergency preparedness as the Zoo Liaison and Instructor for Tactical Firearms Academy’s zoological emergency response training.

In addition, Erin is the Director of Crisis Response for GRAZE (Growing Resiliency for Aquarium and Zoo Employees), where she helps strengthen the industry through training, support services, and crisis response.

Erin exemplifies what it means to lead a culture of safety—through advocacy, education, and action. Congratulations, Erin, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to keeping our teams and animals safe.

The Highest Rated Session Award – 2025 Recipient: Amber Acord

🎉 Congratulations to Amber Acord! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that Amber Acord has been recognized with the Highest Rated Session Award at the 2025 AZFA Conference! Her outstanding presentation, "Safety Talks & Drills for Facilities Teams," resonated deeply with attendees and earned top marks for its relevance, practicality, and innovation.

Amber’s session addressed a critical gap in traditional safety drills by focusing on emergency preparedness tailored specifically for facilities teams. She shared actionable strategies and drill ideas covering scenarios such as chainsaw accidents, fall rescues from elevated areas, phase loss events, and maintenance shop emergencies. Her insights empower facilities professionals to take a more active role in safety planning and response.

Please join us in celebrating Amber’s achievement and her continued dedication to safety and excellence in facilities management!

Would you listen to a podcast?

Let’s be honest—getting articles for The Outlet has always been a bit of a challenge. I can only write so much about myself! Recently, someone suggested a fresh idea: what if we launched a podcast?

Think about it—something you could listen to on your drive home, during lunch, or while working on a project. It could be a fun, flexible way to stay connected and share stories, insights, and innovations from across our field.

I’m open to shifting gears and putting something together, but I want to know: is there interest? If so, what kind of topics would you want to hear about?

• Interviews with project managers?
• “MacGyver” submissions and creative problem-solving?
• Conversations with managers, leaders, or front-line staff?
• Deep dives into sustainability, animal welfare, or facility design?

Let me know what excites you. This could be a great way to bring our community’s voice to life—literally.

Let’s Make The Outlet Work for You

The Outlet has so much potential to connect and engage our AZFA members—but we’re just scratching the surface. Our website is packed with features, including forums and member tools, that many folks haven’t explored yet.

During the conference, I heard a lot of great conversations about the daily challenges we all face. That’s exactly the kind of dialogue we can continue online. I encourage you to jump into the Forums, or even reach out via email. If you're not sure who to contact, I’m happy to help connect you with others who might be facing similar issues.

Got a topic you’re passionate about? Share it! Submit an article to The Outlet. For every article we publish, you’ll earn $5 toward AZFA membership or conference registration. It’s a small thank-you for helping build our community and share knowledge.

Let’s keep the conversation going—online and off.