Two Global Experts Bring a New Level of Expertise to the Zoo Advisors Team

The future of zoos and aquariums has been challenged, and frankly the future is challenging. We are facing what may be the sixth great extinction in the earth’s history.  As a community that cares for animals, accredited zoos and aquariums must do what we can to address this extinction.  

At Zoo Advisors, we’re making changes to do our part to address the urgent conservation challenges of today and the future. We’re strengthening our team by adding the expertise of two seasoned leaders in the field. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jackie Ogden and Dr. Eric Miller to our slate of advisors.  Jackie and Eric will serve as Senior Counsel, bringing decades worth of insights, understanding, and innovation. They will offer our clients expertise in the areas of conservation strategy and planning, executive and organizational development, and overall thought leadership. Jackie will also help ZA strengthen our continuing initiatives to champion and advocate for greater gender equity and women in leadership.

Each is a leader in the field, their experience honed through tenured careers at two well-respected organizations – Disney and the Saint Louis Zoo. Learn more about their extensive experience here.

Jackie and Eric shared some quick thoughts on what they think it will take for the work of zoos and aquariums to be successful –

Jackie said, “The critical work of our profession cannot be accomplished without great leadership.  Leaders that are strong, visionary, collaborative, and thoughtful.  Leaders that care about organizational culture, that create environments that allow people to grow, to express their opinions, and to make a difference.  And leaders that, while recognizing the tremendous challenges we all face, lead with compassion, optimism and hope – and perhaps even humor.”

Eric shared, “I believe that a critical equation to achieving successful programs is: Collaboration + Cooperation = Great Conservation. The first two should broadly reach out and include governmental conservation agencies, NGOs, universities, and local, regional and international partners. We all are more effective and also project a positive image for our institutions when we celebrate each other’s’ successes.”

We are thrilled to have Eric and Jackie affiliated with Zoo Advisors. “I know our clients will value the expertise they bring to the table; these renowned leaders will enable us to offer an even greater breadth of services finding the solutions to address the important conservation and leadership issues at hand,” said David Walsh, Zoo Advisors President.