Call for Application: WAZA Committees 2026–2027 Term
We are pleased to announce the official opening of the call for application to serve on WAZA Committees for the 2026–2027 term.
Committees are at the heart of WAZA’s work. They embody the collaboration, expertise, and volunteer spirit that drive our global community forward. By joining a committee, members contribute directly to shaping strategic priorities, strengthening our collective impact, and advancing the mission of WAZA on a global scale. Committee membership is an opportunity to engage with peers worldwide, share your expertise, and help build a stronger, more effective Association.
Application Process
The call for application opens on 27 November 2025 and closes on 11 January 2026.
Members wishing to express their interest in joining a committee are invited to complete the application form at the following link: Call for Application Form.
Committee Chairs will review applications during January 2026.
Committee members will be appointed in February 2026, beginning their term immediately.
All committee terms run until October 2027.
If you have any questions regarding the process or would like further information, please contact the WAZA Executive Office at secretariat@waza.org.
We look forward to receiving your applications and to continuing our work together to strengthen the global zoo and aquarium community.
About WAZA Committees
WAZA’s Committees bring together dedicated professionals from across the global zoo and aquarium community to advise, support and implement strategic programmes based on WAZA Council’s priorities and operational plans.
Association and Institution Members may join both Standing and Non-standing Committees.
Affiliate, Corporate, Honorary, and Emeritus Members may join Non-standing Committees only.
WAZA Standing Committees
Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee
Chair: Dr Sally Sherwen (Director, Wildlife Conservation and Science, Melbourne Zoo)
The Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee (EAWC) advises the WAZA Council on best practices in animal welfare and ethical conduct. The Committee promotes member compliance with the WAZA Code of Ethics, the 2023 Animal Welfare Goal, and the WAZA Animal Welfare Strategy. It works collaboratively with global partners to enhance welfare standards, support continuous learning, and strengthen the community’s leadership in promoting positive animal welfare across zoos and aquariums worldwide.
Finance Committee
Chair: Ms Lisa Peterson (CEO and President, Houston Zoo)
The Finance Committee ensures WAZA’s long-term financial health and stability. It monitors operational revenues, expenses, accounts, and potential investments; reviews financial risks; and provides strategic financial advice to the Council. The Committee is also responsible for initiating and overseeing the annual audit process by selecting an appropriate, qualified audit entity. Through this governance role, the Committee safeguards WAZA’s financial integrity and supports transparent, responsible management of the Association’s resources.
Membership Committee
Chair: Ms Nicola Craddock (Executive Director, Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia – ZAA)
The Membership Committee supports the growth, value, and diversity of WAZA’s global membership. It regularly reviews membership applications, strengthens the application process, and advances membership retention and engagement in line with WAZA’s strategic priorities. Through its work, the Committee helps to ensure that the WAZA community remains strong, representative, and aligned with the highest standards of professionalism.
WAZA Non-Standing Committees
Aquariums Committee
Chair: Mr Kevin Mills (CEO and President, South Carolina Aquarium)
The Aquariums Committee serves as a global forum for leaders from the aquarium community to address community-wide issues, share expertise, and collaborate on strategic priorities. The Committee focuses on advancing professional standards, developing community guidance, and strengthening the role of aquariums within WAZA. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, it supports excellence in aquarium operations, education, research, and conservation.
Communications Committee
Chair: Dr Sanna Hellström (Chief Executive Officer, Helsinki Zoo)
The Communications Committee addresses the communication challenges faced by the global zoo and aquarium community and supports WAZA members in communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Guided by WAZA’s strategic priorities, the Committee develops tools, resources, and approaches to strengthen public engagement, enhance member communication capacity, and maximise the impact of collective messaging across the community.
Conservation Committee
Chair: Dr Sonja Luz (CEO of Mandai Nature, representing WAZA member Mandai Wildlife Group)
The Conservation Committee works to advance the role of WAZA and its members in global biodiversity conservation. The Committee develops internal conservation goals and guidelines, strengthens WAZA’s strategic partnerships, and provides leadership on community-wide conservation initiatives. Key priorities for the upcoming term include developing and implementing the WAZA 2030 Conservation Goal, reviewing the WAZA Conservation Strategy, and advancing recommendations on how WAZA members can maximise conservation impact locally and globally.
Environmental Sustainability Committee
Chair: Dr Simon Dowell (Senior Advisor: Conservation Strategy, Chester Zoo)
The Environmental Sustainability Committee supports WAZA members in strengthening their contribution to environmental sustainability and reinforcing the role of zoos and aquariums as conservation organisations. The Committee develops and consolidates practical tools, guidance, and resources to help members reduce their environmental footprint and implement effective sustainability practices. Through strategic collaboration with partners, it works to amplify the collective environmental impact of the global zoo and aquarium community.
Eligibility
To be eligible to serve, applicants must be WAZA members in good standing for the duration of their term. Committee members should demonstrate:
- Proven expertise in their field
- Commitment and available time to participate, with institutional support
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Respectful engagement and adherence to WAZA’s codes and policies
- Willingness to work collectively and constructively
- Ability to contribute diverse perspectives within a balanced committee structure
Expectations of Committee Members
Members are expected to:
- Understand WAZA’s strategic priorities and support the committee’s work plan
- Actively participate in discussions and fulfil assigned tasks
- Attend the majority of scheduled meetings (typically 2–4 per year)
- Prioritise WAZA’s interests above personal or institutional interests
- Maintain confidentiality and integrity, and avoid conflicts of interest
- Foster an open, inclusive, and respectful environment
- Serve as ambassadors for WAZA in the wider community
- Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling, recognising the global nature of our committees
- Communicate clearly in English to the best of their ability (fluency is not required)
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
