Dear AZA members
On behalf of the Aquarium and Zoo Association Board of Directors and AZA staff, it is my professional and personal honor to announce the renaming of the Aquarium and Zoo Association Leadership Development Initiative to the Ted A. Beattie Executive Leadership Development Program.
AZA President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Ashe said at the 2023 Board Policy Meeting: He envisioned it as a pathway to recognize, support and advance his leaders in the next generation of the global zoo and aquarium community. It can be said that his vision is being realized. ”
Ted’s son Sean, vice president of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, shared the family’s deep appreciation for the honor. “I thank the AZA board and staff for such apt recognition of my father’s lifelong impact on the industry he loves. Throughout his career, he modeled this value proposition and encouraged AZA and others to inspire future zoological leaders through programs like ELDP. He encouraged us to invest intentionally in developing, and he often reminded us that it was not only the right thing to do, but the imperative of smart business.”
Additionally, Ted’s wife Jill Beach Beattie said: We are grateful to AZA for acknowledging his lifelong dedication to professional development with this naming. ”
Ted knew that the future of our community would only thrive if our organization had strong, experienced and visionary directors. Regardless of the organization, Ted has consistently shared his executive leadership expertise and helped hundreds of AZA colleagues advance their careers.
“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to have known Ted. , especially about leading with all his heart.Not only strength but also kindness.I will always remember his smile.I remember the many people he influenced our profession and me. I can’t remember,” said Dr. Jackie Ogden.
Kevin Bell, former director of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, and a longtime friend of Ted’s, said: I was the president of AZA. When discussing creating future leadership development programs, Ted said the future is now and the ELDP was established. Of all his accomplishments, this was Ted’s proudest. This initiative, along with his longstanding commitment to professional development, has had a significant impact on AZA. ”
Since 2014, 83 zoology leaders have graduated from the program, including myself and three colleagues on the AZA Board of Directors, and the 2023 Ted A. Beattie ELDP cohort was announced last week.
AZA staff members interested in advancing their careers in support of conservation, education, animal welfare, and organizational leadership are strongly encouraged to consider participating in the Ted A. Beattie Executive Leadership Development Program.
And, Fellow Trustees, to reflect on our own career journeys and to develop the talented and dedicated staff of our organizations and associations to achieve our objectives now and in the future. May we accept Ted’s unwavering commitment.
Roger German
President and Chief Executive Officer
florida aquarium
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