Are You Plugged In?
Welcome to our digital news page! We're hoping this page will engage our members an keep them updated with committee and conference happenings, safety and sustainability tips and an opportunity to show off the hard work we are all doing.
If you have content ideas or would like to contribute, reach out to Nikki.Dzialowy@NWTrek.org
This page was updated on 8/16/2026
AZFA Annual Conference
We're Heading to Cincinnati
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Cincinnati, October 11–15, 2026!
Join us for the Aquarium & Zoo Facility Association’s 33rd Annual Conference a week packed with discovery, innovation, behind‑the‑scenes experiences, and plenty of chances to connect with AZFA friends old and new.
Pre-Conference Tour & Icebreaker
Sunday, October 11
Bowyer Farm – Mason, OH
Kick off the conference by exploring the stunning Bowyer Farm, a 600+ acre conservation powerhouse owned by the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This incredible property, entrusted to the Zoo in 1995 under the promise it would only ever advance the Zoo’s mission, now thrives as a hub for native plant restoration, wetlands, browse production, sheep and sun farming, and even a cheetah run! It’s the perfect place to meet up, unwind, and start the week inspired.
Zoo Day
Wednesday, October 14
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, OH
Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the nation’s most iconic zoological destinations! Home to more than 400 animal species and 3,000 plant species, the Cincinnati Zoo is a global leader in conservation, endangered species reproduction, education innovation, and sustainability. Spend the day exploring its rich history, cutting‑edge facilities, and world-famous wildlife.
Post-Conference Tour
Thursday, October 15
Newport Aquarium – Newport, KY
We’re closing out the conference with a splash! Dive into the Newport Aquarium, where you’ll encounter thousands of extraordinary aquatic species, from playful penguins to rare white alligators, curious stingrays, and toothy sharks. Don’t miss fan favorites like the Shark Bridge, where you’ll cross just inches above a tank full of sharks, or the NEW Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels, a hauntingly beautiful lost ship turned vibrant underwater habitat.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up the week with wonder, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
MacGyver Award
Unleash Your Inner MacGyver
Have you and your team ever faced a head‑scratching problem that called for pure creativity and quick thinking?
A duct‑tape doodad?
A paperclip contraption?
A bubble‑gum gizmo that saved the day?
Well… it’s time to brag!
The AZFA Board is thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for the 2026 MacGyver Award! We’re looking for projects that showcase clever design, resourceful engineering, and inventive problem‑solving—true to the spirit of the legendary Angus “Mac” MacGyver.
Send us photos of your custom creation along with a short summary of what it does, why you built it, and how it solved your challenge.
The TOP 5 entries will be selected by our board and invited to present during a special round‑table session at this year’s conference in Cincinnati, Ohio!
Top 5 finalists will receive:
• A special discounted conference rate
• The opportunity to present your ingenious invention to your peers
• Conference‑wide voting for the ultimate winner
• A custom trophy awarded during the closing banquet
Questions? Reach out to Trey Elfer at:
eelfer@auduboninstitute.org
Welcome New Members!
Since 5/1/2026
Aaron Chandler Principal, Biomimic Studios
Alex Sinn Exhibits Supervisor, Chattanooga Zoo
Amaly Garcia Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Arthur Eschbach Project Manager II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Beth Ament Associate Vice President | Senior Manager of Communications and Marketing, Epsten Group, a Salas O'Brien company
Brad Kropp , Hayward Flow Control
Brandon Stickel Controls Engineer, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cara Hawran Project Manager, Campus Maintenance, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Carlos Cortes Master Crafts, Plumber, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Carrie Bottega Sr. Workspace Planning Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Chas Pratt Director, Campus Management, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Chris Reeve Water Quality Specialist II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Chris Sanchez Campus Maintenance Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Christian Legner , North Carolina Aquariums
Christopher Davis Mr., Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo
Clayton Christen LSS Supervisor, Newport Aquarium
Conner Gromak Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Coral Tyo Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Craig Francis Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Daniel Martinez Senior Aviculturist, Oregon Coast Aquarium
Daniel Wrobleski Director of Business Development, MDM Inc.
Dave Powers Carpenter, Saint Louis Zoo
Eddie Watson Journey Crafts, Facilities, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Elliot Weiler Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Emilio Orejel Master Crafts, Electrician, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Eric Kingsley Data Manager, Water Science, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Eric Saylor Master Crafts Facilities Lead, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Erin LeFever Associate, Verdis Group
Ezra Schomberg Facilities Manager, Lake Superior Zoological Society
Ferox Potter , Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Frank Chappell General Maintenance, Philadelphia Zoo
Gary James Master Crafts Painter Lead, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Gazel Isik Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Hannah McGrath Water Quality Specialist I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Haylee Bregoff Water Quality Specialist I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Herb Burdett ARCC Life Support Specialist, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Isabel Gallo Logistics Worker, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jackie Van Es Administrative Coordinator, Facilities, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jamie Garl Logisitics Lead, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jim McDonough Project Manager, Woodland Park Zoo
Joe Raimondi Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
John Bustamante Regional Sales Director - West, Mid West, Bigbelly Solar LLC
John Negray Water Instrumentation Analyst, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jordan Depenbrock Director, Facilities & Grounds, New England Aquarium
Jose Villagrana Logistics Lead, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Justin Tara Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Karen Tuttle Water Science Lab Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Kathryn Gordon Project Facilitator, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Katie Nute Project Manager, Water Infrastructure, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Kelleen Harter Environmental Manager, Water Discharge, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Kendal McGraw Manager, Zoo Fleet, Saint Louis Zoo
Kenji Fukuda Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Kevin Hodge Vice President, Animal Programs, Houston Zoo
Kirby Bowerman 3rd Shift Facilities Supervisor, Newport Aquarium
Lee Morrow Systems Operator II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lennyn Torres Manager, Facilities Systems, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lindsay Boyle Manager, Grounds & Housekeeping, Houston Zoo
Luis Hernandez Master Crafts Painter, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Maria Watson Facility System Supervisor, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Mark Gandee Building Maintenance, Columbus Zoo
Megan Abriola Project Coordinator, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Melissa Chiang Water Systems Engineer, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Michael Craft Associate Director of Facilities, Maintenance & Repairs, New England Aquarium
Michael Joyce ARCC Life Support Specialist, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Michael Orlando Master Crafts, Mechanic, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Michelle Firmbach Director of Marketing, Bigbelly Solar LLC
Mike Cornelius Facilities Supervisor, Newport Aquarium
Morgan Schleiderer Systems Operator II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Nathanael Jump Maintenance Tech, Newport Aquarium
On Chiu Controls Engineer, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Patricia Lynn VP, Facilities Operations, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Paul Wilbert Aquatic Life Support Supervisor, Detroit Zoological Society
Rick Leach Senior Systems Operator, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ricky Batistiana Master Crafts Painter, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Rob Byrd VP of Technical Services, Kuntze USA
Robert Peeters Journey Crafts, Facilities, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Robertson Odige Systems Operator II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Robin Staretorp Systems Operator II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ryan Berry Construction Manager, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ryan Kilmartin Senior Project Manager, Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc.
Sergio Flores Facility System Supervisor, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sheva Willoughby , Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Tee Hardy Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Theresa Ogando Workspace Planning Manager II, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Timothy Shipkin Project Manager, Audubon Nature Institute
Van Brom Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Wendell Aguinaldo Journey Crafts, Painter, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Xena Benitez Systems Operator I, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Zach Barker Sales Manager, Kuntze USA
Who is Hiring?
Did you know AZFA will post Facilities related positions at no cost. You can contact John Kanzia to request a job be posted on our website.
If you're looking for that next step, maybe some professional development, this is a great spot to watch for those Facilities Lead, Managers and Director roles.
For Example Santa Barbara is currently hiring a Vice President of Facilities. The Vice President of Facilities & Capital Projects (VP–FCP) is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and lifecycle management of all Zoo facilities, infrastructure, capital projects, safety, security, and physical assets—on campus and offsite locations. You can find more information here >> https://sbzoo.careerplug.com/jobs/3299508/apps/new
Clark Waldram Auction
Call for Auction Items – AZFA Clark Waldram Conservation Grant Virtual Auction
Created in memory of Clark Waldram of the Kansas City Zoo whose dedication to service and conservation continues to guide us, this grant supports the behind‑the‑scenes facilities work that keeps conservation moving forward. What began as a simple auction and a big idea has grown into a powerful fund that helps zoos and aquariums across the country with essential supplies, materials, and hands‑on expertise.
Thanks to your generosity, the grant has supported meaningful conservation work around the world, including:
- Providing materials for the Punta San Juan Program’s temporary field housing
- Assisting the Oklahoma City Zoo’s herpetology team with habitat restoration for the critically endangered Guatemalan Beaded Lizard and Campbell’s Alligator Lizard
Supplying rock‑drilling tools and backup generators for the Painted Dog Research Trust Children’s Bush Camp
These projects happen because of you and because a little support can make a big difference.
We are now seeking auction items for this year’s virtual fundraiser.
Your donated item helps fund real conservation impact and keeps Clark’s legacy alive within our AZFA community.
What can you donate?
- Unique zoo or aquarium experiences
- Handmade items or artwork
- Behind‑the‑scenes tours
- Tools, gear, or specialty items
- Branded merchandise
- Gift baskets, local goods, or anything fun your team wants to share!
Every contribution strengthens the grant and helps our facilities professionals continue their vital work protecting wildlife and wild places.
If you’d like to donate an item or if you have questions, please reach out to Nikki at Nikki.Dzialowy@NWTrek.org. We appreciate your support, creativity, and generosity as we continue building Clark’s legacy together.
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.
Thank You to our vendors for their continued support!!
