Elections

The ABMA has annual elections for various board positions.  Our nomination process starts in the fall and voting occurs in the spring.  If you have any questions about our election process, please contact the Nominations and Elections chairs Kelly Elkins and Elly Neumann
 

ABMA Board of Director Nominees for the 2024 - 2027 term

The following ABMA election information is provided to assist voting members in determining who will fill the open board of director positions for the upcoming 2024-2027 term.  These nominees are willing to serve the ABMA for the next three years.  In order to know your nominees better, please read the following biographies of each of the candidates below.  

Voting members (Professional, Active, Emeritus & Lifetime members) will receive an email in February or March with an embedded link which will allow you to vote for ABMA Board of Directors.   This year's election will be twofold: a slate to approve three (3) executive board positions and a direct election from a pool of eight (8) candidates for six (6) directors at large positions.  Once votes are tallied, the results of the election will be announced at this year's annual conference.

Per the ABMA bylaws, Members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be elected via slate with a simple majority of the votes cast, and/or by direct election by the highest number of votes cast.  Furthermore, failure to respond to any notice provided herein will be treated as an affirmative vote for all purposes in any voting matter and will be duly recorded as an affirmative vote by the Secretary of the Corporation and kept in the applicable minutes.
 

Ashley Jones

ZooAmerica- Zoo Naturalist

I have been in the zoological field for almost 11 years. Our facility houses all North American species. My favorite animal is an American Marten. Over the last several years I have found myself being drawn to the part of my job that involves an animal's behavior. I have been heavily involved in developing our facilities training program and I am a member of our training committee. Recently I also became the Chair of our Welfare Committee. I enjoy watching how training, enrichment and other changes to an animal's habitat can change their behavior and how sometimes these changes can lead to improved wellbeing for our animals. In addtion to the zoo field I worked in the membership department for two state Veterinary Medical Associations.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I am very new to the association. I recently reached out to become more involved in some of the comittees so I hope to help with the Conference Proceedings and Membership Committees in the coming year.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I previously had a role at a Veterinary Medical Association in the membership department. In this role I helped manage membership for two state associations. Part of my role was coming up with ways to add value to the membership through member benefits, how to attract new members as well as ways to retain members from year to year.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

While I am new to the ABMA, I am passionate about enhancing animal care through training and enrichment. I immediately felt compelled to be more involved with the ABMA, especially after attending my first conference in Atlanta in 2023. The ABMA directly aligns with the part of my role where I find the most joy and know that training and enrichment directly relate to improved animal wellbeing.

 

Heather Samper

Moody Gardens- Biologist III

I have been a biologist at Moody Gardens for 25 years and am currently the senior biologist in the rainforest.  I have worked with a variety of animals and taxa at the aquarium and rainforest.  I also co-own a dog training business (Mutts With Manners) and an online training store (MyTrainingStore.com).  I volunteered with a K9 search and rescue organization for about 12 years, training dogs to look for missing people. One of my beagles was a Pet Partner, and we visited the local hospital as a K9 therapy team.  My first ABMA conference was in 2004 and I got hooked by the positive and unique camaraderie of this organization and have been a member ever since.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

Publications committee- 2005-2013. Judge for 2007 conference. Secretary- 2009-2012. President cycle- 2012-2015. Website chair- 2014-present.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I am involved in the daily operations of maintaining the ABMA website, which ranges from updating pages with relevant information, answering emails, and acting as the liaison between the ABMA board and the webmaster for new projects or problematic issues. We recently launched the ABMA Community and I am assisting in fine-tuning this new member resource.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

I am a lifetime professional member of the ABMA because I wholeheartedly believe, support, and advocate for all this organization stands for. I would like to assist the organization reach its new, strategic planning goals. As someone who is knowledgeable about all aspects of the board and program council, I feel confident in my ability and track record to encourage and support others, to accomplish the tasks needed to pursue success, and to implement a better framework for this organization's future. Thank you for your consideration of me in this leadership role.

 

Maggie Santangelo

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium- Staff Biologist

Maggie started her animal care career at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) in 2015, shortly after graduating from the University of Washington. She has since had the opportunity to work at two other marine mammal facilities, the Navy Marine Mammal Program and Dolphin Academy (Curacao), where she developed an interest in operant conditioning, husbandry behaviors and open-water training. Maggie returned to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium as a Staff Biologist (zookeeper) in 2021, working with an incredible mix of marine animals, including walruses, polar bears and various species of seabirds. Since being at PDZA at her current capacity, Maggie has been heavily involved in the zoo's animal wellbeing committee. She has developed individual welfare assessments for her department's animals and plays a large role in addressing complex behavioral and wellbeing issues. She also presented on a data-driven project to promote understanding and management of rut in male sea lions at the 2023 ABMA/IMATA conference. Maggie has been a member of ABMA since 2022 and is excited to become more involved in the organization and continue exploring her professional interests in animal welfare, conservation research and animal behavior.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I have yet to serve on the ABMA board or on a committee.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I am not currently working on any projects with ABMA. I am particularly interested in learning about new and upcoming developments in animal husbandry and research, and spreading this knowledge, so would love to be involved in committees like Research and Development or Publications. I would also like to learn more about the logistics of membership recruitment or planning and running a conference, and would be happy to assist the organization with this in any capacity.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

Dear ABMA Members, While I have only been a member of ABMA for a year, I was immediately impressed by how productive and cohesive the organization is – from frequent podcasts and media posts to simply taking the time to help each other out on online forums, the sense of community is real! This is something I am not only excited to be a part of, but something I would like to become more involved in. I want to learn more from each of you and contribute my unique perspective to our collective efforts. Organizations like ABMA are essential for our growth as individuals and as a field. With nearly a decade of husbandry and training experience from three unique facilities and a strong interest in behavioral management and welfare, I am excited about the prospect of bringing my knowledge to the table. But more than just sharing what I know, I am eager to collaborate to explore new ideas and approaches that can benefit the organization and the broader animal care community. It can be easy to fall into a comfortable rhythm, especially in our hectic line of work. But that is where associations like ABMA come in to remind us of our greater goals and to inspire keepers like me to break out of their routine and try out that new enrichment device or training method. And that is what keeps us learning and growing, ultimately providing better lives for the animals in our care. For my entire career, I have benefited from leaders like you all, and I am excited about the prospect of joining you in giving back to our amazing field. Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Marni Wood

Zoo Miami- Animal Science Manager of Animal Engagement and Outreach

Marni has had an expansive career in animal care and training that started at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT as an education intern and worked her way up to Manager of Animal Training at Miami Seaquarium where she worked with a variety of marine mammals for 15 years. Most recently, Marni joined the Zoo Miami family in 2018 and is currently the Animal Science Manager of Animal Engagement and Outreach. Marni has extensive experience with operant conditioning utilizing positive reinforcement to train and maintain a wide array of behaviors from a voluntary gastric tube with an 8,500 pound killer whale all the way to a free-flight behavior with macaws. Currently she is responsible for the care of not only the entire Ambassador and Australian animal collection along with its staff, but also the outreach programs, encounter programs and feeding stations at the zoo. She has played a key role in writing and implementing a new manual detailing the care and handling of ambassador animals, as well as creating and participating in a new style of presentation in the Amphitheater area. Marni serves on the board or as a committee member of several different organizations as she loves sharing her knowledge with the behavior community and wants to continue to act as a resource for all who are interested!

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

Director at Large 3 years, Membership Committee Co-Chair 1 year        

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

As the Membership Co-Chair I have been working on new membership initiatives including new benefits, new membership levels and price points, as well as new social media campaign to drive new members. As a Director at Large I am currently working on a combined ABMA/IMATA training accreditation program that will be a game changer for the behavior management community if and when it comes to fruition.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board over the past three years and would love to continue for another three year term. I feel I have been a very active board member and would really like to see my Accreditation idea through to the end as I feel it will be an amazing resource for all those interested in progressing animal welfare through effective and innovative behavior management.

 

Melissa Paynter

Georgia Aquarium- Associate Curator

After graduating Moorpark Colleges EATM program in 2008, I spent several years training terrestrial mammals and birds for studio productions. In 2011 I accepted an opportunity to return home to Georgia and join the team at the Georgia Aquarium, where I have spent the last 12 years working with fish, sea otters, puffins, invertebrates, and reptiles. I am currently an Associate Curator over the Ocean Voyager habitat, home of our resident whale sharks and manta rays.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I have been a part of the ABMA community on and off dating back to 2008.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I would look forward to assisting ABMA in providing more online content and/or seminars for institutions that lack access to professional development due to time and budgetary constraints.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance to bring representation from the Aquarist community, and to connect Aquarists to the robust behavioral management resources available through organizations such as ABMA. As a graduate of Moorparks EATM program, my initial professional years were spent training mammals but I was drawn to the untapped conditioning potential of sharks, stingrays, and other fish. This has led me to carve a unique path over the last twelve years at the Georgia Aquarium, culminating in presenting at the ABMA/IMATA conference on Hammerhead Shark Training in 2022. In my current role as an Associate Curator on the Fish and Invertebrate team, I am dedicated to elevating fish training practices through a monthly lecture series where I strive to empower aquarists with knowledge on fish cognition, operant conditioning, and enrichment strategies. I'm confident that I can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between Aquarists and ABMA, ultimately advancing fish welfare through informed and effective behavior management practices.

 

Shane Gorbett

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay- Senior 1 Zoological Specialist

I started my animal care career in 2014 working with ambassador animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. From there I went on to work with cheetahs at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, back to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to with with pinnipeds, and, currently, I am back at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as a Senior 1 Zoological Specialist in Edge of Africa. I have served on the Board of Directors for the ABMA for the past three years. In that time I have served as the creator and host of "Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA", Publications co-chair, and the 2023 Conference Co-Chair.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

Behavior Month working group, Government Affairs committee, and the sponsorship committee.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I continue to host "Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA" and look forward to helping to continue to create a useful behavior management resource. I also look forward to continuing to evolve "Engage" into a modern and accessible resource. This year we introduced videos and look forward to expanding on that and other digital media to accompany articles. Additionally, in 2024 we are hoping to translate issues of "Engage" into languages other than English to continue to create a global resource and community. I hope to continue to serve on the committees and working groups that I am currently involved with and also work to continue to find ways to create accessible resources for everyone around the world.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

I fully believe in the mission and potential of the ABMA and will continue to tirelessly work to help create an impactful and accessible organization. I am passionate about finding ways to provide resources to any and all in the animal care field so that we may continue to help promote optimal welfare and operant conditioning with a focus on positive reinforcement in all areas of animal care around the globe. Through my work with The ABMA, I hope to continue to find ways to connect the global animal care community by increasing accessiblity and provide resources that promote knowledge and learning.

 

Shawna Spencer

Coral World Ocean Park- Animal Welfare Specialist

Shawna Spencer is a dedicated animal care professional with 30+ years of animal training and dog behavioral counseling. Her focus has been to improve the lives of animals through relationship based positive reinforcement training. Shawna started her career in 1991 after graduating as a Master Dog Trainer, from Tackett’s Professional Dog Training College, and earning an Animal Care Specialist Certificate, as a veterinary assistant from PCDI. She has worked in several areas of dog training. She has taught classes of all levels, as well as, assisted in hiring, training and facilitating continued education for new and experienced trainers. She has been a Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluator. Some of her most rewarding experiences were while serving as a field instructor for Paws With A Cause. During this time she trained, placed and re-certified assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing loss, and seizures. In this role, Shawna was responsible for organizing local fundraising events and providing community assistance dog education and awareness presentations to colleges, fairs, and local services organizations.  In 2019 Shawna was hired to the education department at the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat in Las Vegas Nevada. In 2021 she earned a Professional Animal Training Certificate at Dolphin Research Center. That same year, she successively transitioned to marine mammals, becoming a a Dolphin Care Specialist, at The Mirage. Today, Shawna continues working with dolphins as an Animal Welfare Specialist, at Coral World Ocean Park in the USVI.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

ABMA member since 2022. First attended Government affairs committee meetings early 2023 and have since been added to the Engage Committee.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I would like to contribute in any way possible. I would love to participate in the planning of conferences or any continued education projects. However I am here to serve on any capacity I am needed.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

I believe I have a wide variety of skill sets and knowledge that would be helpful to the growth of ABMA. My experience with pet training as well as volunteer and paid experience a wide variety of animals such as, dolphins, horses, birds, goats, llamas, camels and others makes me unique and relatable to the membership as a whole. I also believe my experience in event planning, fundraising, budgeting and organization leadership with organizations inside and outside the industry will be very helpful.

 

Shea Eaves

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium- Supervisor of Wild Encounters – Pinnipeds

In my career spanning 22 years, I have worked as a first responder for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, as a show performer/trainer sharing the stage with dolphins, sea lions, birds, dogs, cats, skunks, and pigs, and as a trainer, caregiver and keeper for manatees, otters, penguins, pinnipeds, cetaceans, rodents, birds, amphibians, fish and sloths. My experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with animals of all ages, from neonate to geriatric. While my focus has mostly been with marine mammals, I love seeing training in action with all taxa, and I am passionate particularly about husbandry behavioral training.  In the last four years, I transitioned into a management role, and have enjoyed learning new skills as a supervisor. I earned my MBA in Human Resource Management in May 2021, which has helped me grow as a leader more than I ever thought possible. I've lived in the South most of my life, but relocated to the Midwest in late February of 2024 - I love it here! When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, attending live music concerts and festivals, reading, watching football, and relaxing at home with my 2 cats - Boudreaux and Jockamo.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I have been an ABMA for many years, but have never served on the Board or a Committee.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I am not currently involved in any specific projects within ABMA, but would welcome the opportunity to contribute in any way the organization would find beneficial. I have a strong administrative background and could easily support any administrative needs.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

For 22 years, I have dedicated my life to caring for a variety of animals, and supporting teams to ensure each animal is given the best life possible. Transitioning into a managament role has afforded me the opportunity to lead by example, and as I build my leadership skills, I now also have the responsibility to help my team grow and develop into amazing leaders, trainers, and animal caregivers. The ABMA actively works to help its members become amazing in their professional roles, and I would be honored to serve on the Board and contribute to the forward thinking, evolution, and innovation of this growing organization.

 

Sue Pasquine

ZooTampa at Lowry Park – Director of Behavioral Husbandry

Sue started her career with marine mammals and joined the ZooTampa team in 2016 in the Africa realm working with elephants. Sue Pasquine is now the Director of Behavioral Husbandry, improving the well-being of its animals through evidence-based behavior management. Her focus is to continue evolving the program and fully integrating behavioral husbandry practices into daily animal care, working directly with the teams and the animals to develop their skills and understanding. Sue is approaching twenty years of professional animal experience and has gained valuable knowledge regarding veterinary care, zoo education, animal enrichment, training, husbandry and showmanship. Her solid foundation of training began with marine mammals at the Miami Seaquarium and expanded while working at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Her love of training led her to ZooTampa to work with elephants and rhinos. A few years later, Sue transitioned into the behavioral husbandry role where she was able to utilize her experience to the fullest and improve or develop training programs in a variety of species across the zoo. Sue has assisted in the development of several educational dolphin shows and programs during her career and has helped develop multiple guest interaction programs at ZooTampa. Among her favorites is a free-flighted experience, the Macaw Flyover. She develops staff in their skills to enhance the environments of the animals, modify behavior to improve animal well-being and connect guests to the animals that we love. She feels strongly that a well-rounded behavioral husbandry program begins with a solid understanding of behavior and a drive to continue evolving through scientific advancements and evidence-based practices.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I have not yet been on the board or a committee, however, I have brainstormed and supported Marni Wood with membership needs and retention and am excited to get involved in any way possible.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

With a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of animals, I am eager to bring a new perspective and innovative ideas to the organization as a first-time leader. My goal is to actively participate in evolving the ABMA, ensuring it remains at the forefront of advancements in animal care. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to ABMA's ongoing success and its ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

If elected to become an ABMA leader, it would be an honor to be surrounded by individuals who understand the importance of empathy, training, enrichment and environments that are conducive to meaningful change in the lives of animals. It is my belief that through collaboration and shared passion, we can elevate the standards of care we provide and ensure that every member of our organization is equipped with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact. I look forward to the opportunity to not only contribute my skills and experiences but also to learn from everyone by becoming involved in this organization. I believe that one of the greatest strengths of a community lies in its ability to learn from each other. By fostering an environment where we share our experiences, insights, and expertise, we not only enrich our collective knowledge but also build a stronger, more united front in our mission.

 

Suzanne Smith

Downtown Aquarium Houston- Curator of Mammals & Birds

I had early aspirations of being a dolphin trainer and started my career at a young age at the New England Aquarium in my hometown of Boston, MA. Once I earned my B.A. in Psychology, I accepted a dolphin, sea lion, and bird trainer position at Marine Animal Productions in Gulfport, MS. For the past 35 years, I have been fortunate to hold different positions at facilities around the U.S. and in South America gaining experience with marine mammals in various programs while also having the opportunity to train animals of all taxa. I have been a member of like-minded organizations and have served on their boards, committees, and editorial teams. In 2014, I started a non-profit organization called the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation and travel to Brazil a few times per year to work on current projects and lead ecotours. Additionally, I am the Curator of Mammals & Birds at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston overseeing tigers and ambassador animals.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I have served on the ABMA Government Affairs Committee for 2 years.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

Currently, I am serving on the Government Affairs Committee and assisting with ways the ABMA membership can have timely access to legislation that directly and indirectly affects the animals in our care. I would like to continue bringing current and relevant information to the members. It is my hope to continue supporting the GA Committee by building bridges with other legislative liaisons to make our voices stronger for the welfare of the animals in our care.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

She has worked in the animal care industry for 35 years at zoos and aquariums located in the United States and in South America. She is also the Executive Director/Founder of the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation. She has taken her experiences of animal training and welfare in zoological settings and applied it to the conservation of endangered animals in their natural environment. She began as a marine mammal trainer, but her training skills and knowledge of operant conditioning provided opportunities to work with multi taxa for a variety of tasks such as training tapirs for voluntary blood using secondary reinforcers to study reproductive levels. She has developed training and enrichment programs for terrestrial mammals including big and small cats, rhinos, giraffes, exotic birds, and reptiles such as Komodo dragons and American alligators. She has been in leadership roles to help shape the careers of aspiring animal professionals. Suzanne has served on the ABMA Government Affairs Committee for the past year. She has held board positions within like-minded organizations. She has enjoyed sharing knowledge and new ideas through conference presentations, workshops, and articles. Suzanne brings much experience to ABMA as a professional animal caretaker. She hopes to serve the ABMA membership and help the organization in its' mission to be a global leader dedicated to advancing animal welfare through excellence in behavior management.

 

Tricia Dees

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment- Supervisor of Mammals

Tricia has been working in the animal care field for more than 25 years, assisting wildlife rescue, pet shelters, and many zoological settings. She has been a member of ABMA since 2004 where she presented her first paper. Since then, she has served on the publications and sponsorship committees, board of directors, and as president in 2018. After earning a degree in zoology from Texas Tech University, Tricia has spent most of her career with SeaWorld, working with all taxa the parks have to offer. She has presented animal training workshops across North America and is an enthusiast for positive reinforcement-based training programs for all species we are lucky enough to care for.

Years of Service/Experience with the ABMA Board and/or ABMA Committee. In what capacity have you been involved?

I have served either on a committee or on the board since I was first elected in 2006 or 2007.

What are some specific projects within ABMA that you are working on already and/or what would you like to contribute to ABMA in the future?

I would like for us to secure sponsors that reliably support the conference year after year. I would like to get a few sponsors for the podcast as it continues to grow. I would like to seek out innovative ways we can create our conference to offer content that our community wants, whether that be more joint ventures, more virtual ventures, or something we haven't even thought of yet.

Your Message to ABMA Members (Why you want to be elected to the board):

I have a deep love for this organization. I was inspired by my first conference in 2004 and have been a fan of our mission and vision since then. We truly are the organization striving to "advance intentional and enlightened behavior management to improve the lives and welfare of all animals." This community of people from all across the world all have common goal--to take the best care of the animals we have the honor of working with. As we face hurdles, ABMA has always been a safe place, a supportive place, where we can rejuvenate our passion. I want to continue to volunteer to help maintain and expand that area of ABMA. I promise that I will continue to help get ABMA to lead the charge in showcasing behavioral management best practices.