AZA/AAZK Panel Discussion
Tuesday, September 15th, 8-10 AM
Pavilion AGDBE
Taking the Reins of Your Own Career Path: Skill-Building and Leadership Development for Keepers
Career paths in animal care are rarely a straight line, they look more like networks or branching paths. This session invites zookeepers and aquarists to consider what growth can look like and take ownership of their own development and future. The skills you are building today can shape the opportunities available to you tomorrow, so how do you intentionally move toward where you want to be? Keepers and aquarists are trainers, behaviorists, collaborators, storytellers, and problem solvers. This session explores how to develop these multifaceted skills strategically and sustainably to prepare yourself for the next steps in your career. Career changes and development can be challenging, and even intimidating, but it also opens doors to new possibilities. We’ll highlight real examples of career paths within zoos and aquariums, share tools and resources for professional development, and discuss how to advocate for support, mentorship, and access to opportunities. Whether you want to deepen your expertise, broaden your impact, or prepare for leadership or a related field, this session will help you chart a path forward.
Panelists:
Shannon Wesley (Panel Moderator)
AZA Coordinator of Education and Virtual Learning
Shannon currently serves as the Coordinator of Education and Virtual Learning with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In this role, she leverages her diverse experience as an informal science educator and team leader to develop and support professional development opportunities for zoo and aquarium professionals. Prior to joining AZA, she worked at a number of zoos and aquariums around the country, most recently with the Central Park Zoo as Manager of Education. She is passionate about supporting early-career professionals and advancing growth within the field.
Marc Heinzman (AZA Panelist)
Conservation Manager for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Marc Heinzman is the Conservation Manager for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (NWT), leading the wildlife conservation initiatives and government advocacy work for both parks through a single, combined department. Prior to this role, Marc was the Zoological Curator at NWT for nearly a decade as he led the animal care department and managed its animal population. He started his career as a seasonal keeper at Kansas City Zoo, and he has worked in animal care or management for almost 20 years. Marc also serves as an AZA accreditation inspector and has held roles on several AZA committees.
Erin Sullivan (AZA Panelist)
Curator, Woodland Park Zoo
Erin Sullivan is an Animal Curator at Woodland Park Zoo with more than 30 years of experience in animal management, conservation, and zoological leadership. She oversees animal care and welfare programs, population planning, and conservation initiatives. Erin directs and supports numerous species recovery and sustainability efforts, including programs for the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly, Island Marble Butterfly, Western Pond Turtle, and Partula Snail Species Survival Plan. She is a member of the Animal Population Management Committee and is currently the Vice Chair for TAG’s. She is passionate about building collaborative conservation partnerships and developing the next generation of zoo professionals.
Julian Bruno (AAZK Panelist)
Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals, Bronx Zoo/WCS
Julian Bruno is a zoo keeper driven by the continuous improvement of wellbeing at all levels for animals and humans. He brings a passion for holistic animal management with a belief that any individual at any level can act as a positive influence within their organization. He is the Chair for the AAZK Animal Welfare Committee and can be found just about anywhere that there is work to be done to support ungulates in human care. Julian currently holds a role at the Bronx Zoo as a Wild Animal Keeper, caring for okapi, red river hog, and giraffe among many other species.
Bethany Bingham (AAZK Panelist)
AAZK Director of Professional Development & Conference Management
Bethany Bingham is the Director of Professional Development & Conference Management with the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). After spending more than two decades in her career as an animal keeper, Bethany transitioned into professional development, bringing with her a strong foundation in relationship-building, education, and engagement. Her experience caring for animals and connecting with diverse audiences developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and training that now support her work in fundraising and professional growth initiatives. Bethany is passionate about helping individuals and teams develop their potential, fostering meaningful learning experiences, and creating impactful development opportunities.
