Public Relations Committee

Public Relations Committee Mission

• Works in conjunction with AZA's communications team and supports AZA's strategy and implementation of national public relations initiatives designed to position AZA as the world's preeminent wildlife conservation association
• Provides public relations and crisis communications counsel to AZA and member institutions
• Enhances the quality and professionalism of AZA member public relations staff through trainings at zoo school, annual/regional conferences, and individual counsel

Chair
Jackie Wallace, Houston Zoo, Inc.

Vice-Chair
Jessica Fontana, Georgia Aquarium

Members
Melissa Borland
Jillian Braun, Lincoln Park Zoo
Amanda Cease, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Sally Compton
Linda Hardwick, Phoenix Zoo
Sondra Katzen, Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo
Melissa Kirkwood, Sunset Zoological Park
Tim Kuniholm, Seattle Aquarium
Duane McGregor, Cameron Park Zoo
Nicole Minadeo, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Robin Nalepa, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Susan O'Cain, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Suzanne Pelisson-Beasley, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Christina Simmons, San Diego Zoo
Jennifer Vela, Texas State Aquarium
James Weinpress, Seneca Park Zoo

Advisors
Ellen Averill, Tulsa Zoo
Thomas Benson, Tennessee Aquarium
Hova Najarian, Oregon Zoo
Patricia Peters
Max Pulsinelli, Bronx Zoo
Candice Rennels, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Katie Smith, Audubon Zoo

Board Liaison
Dwight Scott, San Diego Zoo

AZA Staff Liaison 
Rob Vernon