New and Exciting Ways to View the Phoenix Zoo
with Bert Castro, Bonnie Mendoza, Christine Lowery-Nunez and Jennifer Flowers
Listen in as members of the Executive Leadership Team share what’s new with the Phoenix Zoo. As with countless other organizations and businesses, the Phoenix Zoo has had to be quick on their feet and find creative ways to keep our community engaged during the covid pandemic; and, they’ve done that masterfully!
It was difficult decision to close the Zoo in the spring which is during the best of their revenue generating months. The affects on personnel hit hard with cutbacks in all areas; and yet, still having the vital need for full operation and top-notch animal care. The Zoo staff’s ability to adapt to changing priorities – being nimble and looking for new ways for the Zoo to be sustainable is impressive! Thank you for being such an important part of Arizona and global conservation.
The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation (ACNC) operates the Phoenix Zoo. The ACNC advances the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the most visited cultural institution in Arizona.
The Phoenix Zoo is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-profit zoological park, serving 1.4 million guests annually. The Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, many of which are endangered and threatened species. For information on upcoming events, exhibits and activities at the Phoenix Zoo, visit www.phoenixzoo.org.
Bert Castro is the President and CEO of the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, which operates the Phoenix Zoo. He began his professional career in 1985 as a volunteer and then, later that year, as a Keeper at the Tulsa Zoo. He then served as Assistant Curator of the Asian Domain at the Audubon Zoo, Curator of Birds and Mammals at Zoo Atlanta, General Curator at the San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium and Executive Director/CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden.
Castro has an Associate’s degree in Natural Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies.
Castro has been a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1985 and has served on the Diversity Committee, Ethics Committee, and was Chairman of both the Government Affairs and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee. He is currently serving a second term on the AZA Board of Directors, having previously served on the Board from 2009 – 2011. He has been a member of the Zoo Conservation Outreach Board, serving as Chairman in 2006 and 2007. He served on the Board of the Foothills Community Foundation from 2012 – 2017, serving as Chairman from 2015 – 2017. He was appointed by President Obama to seve on the Institute of Musuem and Library Services Advisory Board and served from 2012 – 2017.
Bonnie Mendoza, CFO, Phoenix Zoo
Christine Lowery – Nunez, VP Human Resources, Phoenix Zoo
Jennifer Flowers, Director of Guest Services, Phoenix Zoo
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About Our Co-Host
In 2014, Jon Deiter was working on the leadership team of a company which began implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®). Jon experienced first-hand the value and power of EOS and its simple tools to establish a clear vision, gain traction toward that vision, and grow a healthy team.
He also came to realize his true motivation and passion ….. to help many more companies achieve great things through implementing EOS! He was trained as a Professional EOS Implementer and since 2015 has been working with organizations to help them implement EOS. He offers his implementation/coaching services through his company, Jon Deiter Solutions, LLC.
EOS is a people-centric management system that embodies successful, proven ways of working with people and a team. In addition to company growth and achieving the life you desire, implementing EOS has positive impacts to employees, culture and team health.
Jon has worked for over 30 years in leadership/management positions in privately held and family owned entrepreneurial businesses as well as smaller divisions of public companies. He earned an MBA in Finance from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and he has worked as a licensed CPA with Accreditation in Business Valuation and Certified Global Management Accountant. He has held positions in a variety of industries as Tax Advisor, Consultant, Controller, Vice President, CFO, and President.
