Newswise — ALEXANDRIA, VA--The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), the international association for marine mammal facilities and global conservation and research organizations, announced today the appointment of Kathleen Dezio as executive director. Dezio is a senior association executive with more than 25 years of experience in association management, public affairs and communications. The appointment is effective immediately. Dezio follows Marilee Menard, who is retiring after leading the association for 21 years. Under Menard’s leadership, Alliance membership more than doubled and the organization became recognized as the voice for the global marine mammal community. Dezio will continue Menard’s efforts to build a cohesive organization dedicated to providing the highest standards for marine mammals in human care and their conservation in the wild.
“Kathleen is an accomplished and respected leader in association management who brings a strategic focus and a wealth of advocacy experience in both the public and private sectors,” said William Hurley, Alliance Board chair and Georgia Aquarium chief zoological officer. “We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to her leadership and contributions to our community.”
Dezio has extensive experience in managing and serving as an advocate for and voice of national trade associations. Most recently, she served as executive vice president of public affairs and communication at the Personal Care Products Council, the leading trade association for the cosmetics industry. Previously, Dezio was vice president of communications at the American Beverage Association, the national trade association representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry.
“The Alliance has an unparalleled breadth and depth of expertise in marine mammal husbandry and an impressive record of research, conservation and education,” Dezio said. “I am honored to take the helm and look forward to working with Alliance leadership to achieve its strategic priorities, strengthen and enhance services to U.S. and international members, and showcase the great work of its members.”
Dezio earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from The George Washington University and a master’s degree from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University. She and her family live in the Washington, D.C. area.
VISUAL NOTE: Photos of Kathleen Dezio are available for download at: https://private.filesanywhere.com/pcipr/fs/v.aspx?v=8a6c6bcd9761b3b4b36b
The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is the international association of marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.
The Alliance administers a stringent accreditation process for its members. Accredited members must uphold Alliance Standards and Guidelines to optimize the psychological and physical health of, and environmental conditions for, individual marine mammals under their care, and to maximize the educational and scientific value of their collections as a whole.
###
RSS