Leadership

Tony James has been with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden since 1999 where he made his start as a seasonal employee in the Horticulture program. In his ten years on the Horticulture team, Tony worked his way up to the role of Project Manager. Looking to grow within the Zoo, Tony accepted a position in the Facilities Department in 2011 as the Facilities Project Manager. In this role, Tony supervised all new construction projects. In 2015, Tony was promoted to Facilities Manager and was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the Maintenance team while still staying involved with construction projects. Tony was promoted most recently in January of 2017 to Director of Facilities, allowing him to take on a more visionary role while still managing the day-to-day activities of the team and construction projects. Throughout Tony’s career one of his passions has become workforce development. He has played an integral role in the Zoo’s first ever high school internship program for the Maintenance department. He has a vision to grow this program to make workforce development a top priority at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Outside of the Zoo, Tony enjoys spending time with his family whether it’s watching his kids play sports or hanging out at his family’s farm.

Sean Tharpe is a Senior Construction Project Manager with the Detroit Zoological Society & Belle Isle Nature Center, bringing extensive experience in construction project management, capital improvement, facility renovation, and project leadership. A graduate of Eastem Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in Construction Project Management, Sean has built his career around delivering complex projects that enhance facilities, support organizational goals, and create lasting value for the communities they serve. At the Detroit Zoological Society, Sean has led and supported a diverse portfolio Of capital and renovation projects, including the Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, Water Tower Restoration, Ron Kagan Wildlife Intemretive Gallery and Butterfly Garden Renovation, Devereaux Tiger Forest, Belle Isle Nature Center Renovation, Detroit Zoo Shop, Water Monitor Habitat, Polk Penguin Consewation Center Waterproofing, and Cassowary Habitat. His expenence spans new construction, renovations, restorations, habitat improvements, and specialized facility projects. Prior to his role at the Zoo Sean worked 17 years in various positions within the heavy civil construction and design industry. These projects have strengthened Sean's ability to lead complex initiatives, coordinate multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver projects with a strong focus on quality, safety, communication, and accountability.

Nikki Dzialowy is the Facilities Manager at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. She's currently responsible for maintenance, horticulture, grounds, custodial, and safety committee. Her passion for sustainability and safety are the driving factors in her facilities world, constantly trying to find more sustainable and efficient ways of keeping zoos safe for staff, animals and guests. She enjoys problem solving and big picture planning. Outside of work she spends most of her time with her 13-year-old puppy, her 20-year-old Tortoise, and exploring their new community with her husband, Joe.

Dolores Dunsford is the Administration Manager in the Facilities Management Division of the Saint Louis Zoo. She joined the Zoo in 2018, combining her financial expertise and strategic leadership to support the organization’s mission and infrastructure. As the Administrative Manager supporting a team of 120+ people, Dolores ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial operations for FM’s $9.3M operating budget and the Zoo’s annual $3-5M capital infrastructure improvements. She is dedicated to streamlining processes and providing reliable support to teams not just in her division, but across the entire organization. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and friends, exploring new travel destinations, and hiking wherever there are trails to discover.

Kirsty Strobridge is the Operations Coordinator at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Her primary responsibilities are supporting the Campus Planning, Horticulture, Maintenance, Park Quality, and Events departments. She originally went to school for her Zookeeping Technology A.A.S., but after working as a Keeper, she decided it was not for her. She loved the Zoo, so she has worked in multiple departments, but the Operations Department is where she is meant to be. Building things and figuring out how things work has always been important to her, and in this position, she can be part of new Construction, Work Order Processing, and finding more streamlined ways to help the department. Since joining AZFA, she has been on the Conference Planning and Honors and Awards Committees. Joining the Board would allow her to support AZFA and, through it, other AZFA facilities.