Leadership

John Kanzia

AZFA President

John Kanzia
Environmental Quality Manager, Brookfield Zoo
top-arrow
John Kanzia
Environmental Quality Manager, Brookfield Zoo
John Kanzia is the Environmental Quality Manager at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo just outside Chicago, IL.  He has been with the Chicago Zoological Society and AZFA since 2006, and also worked at the John G. Shedd Aquarium as a Water Quality Technologist from 1999 to 2006.  John has a BAS in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and over twenty years of experience in water quality monitoring.  His current Environmental Quality Program at the Chicago Zoological Society takes a comprehensive look at the zoo’s exhibitry, including water quality, indoor air quality, exhibit lighting, sound monitoring, and more.  With an arsenal of over thirty different instruments, John is a regular “gadget guy”. John currently chairs the Site Selection Sub-Committee, serves on the Membership and Publications & Web Site Committees, and is also the AZFA Web Site Administrator.
Ernest “Trey” Elfer III

AZFA President-Elect

Ernest “Trey” Elfer III
Director of Facilities , Audubon Nature Institute
top-arrow
Ernest “Trey” Elfer III
Director of Facilities , Audubon Nature Institute
Nikki Dzialowy

AZFA Past President

Nikki Dzialowy
Facilities Manager, Northwest Trek
top-arrow
Nikki Dzialowy
Facilities Manager, Northwest Trek
Nikki Dzialowy is the Facilities Manager at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. She's currently responsible for maintenance, horticulture, grounds, custodial, and safety committee. Her passion for sustainability and safety are the driving factors in her facilities world, constantly trying to find more sustainable and efficient ways of keeping zoos safe for staff, animals and guests. She enjoys problem solving and big picture planning. Outside of work she spends most of her time with her 13-year-old puppy, her 20-year-old Tortoise, and exploring their new community with her husband, Joe.
Tony James

AZFA Vice President

Tony James
Director of Facilities , Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
top-arrow
Tony James
Director of Facilities , Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
James Mancari

AZFA Director at Large (Year 1)

James Mancari
Division Project Manager, North Carolina Aquariums
top-arrow
James Mancari
Division Project Manager, North Carolina Aquariums
James Mancari was a Construction Project Manager for the North Carolina Zoo for 8.5 years. During his time at the zoo, James over-saw many smaller and intermediate sized projects culminating with overseeing the design phases for the upcoming Asia and Australia expansion projects. Prior to the zoo, James attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with an architectural degree. While working for a structural engineer, he again graduated from UT with a second degree in civil
engineering and eventually obtaining his engineering license. James then worked for an architectural firm where he completed the architectural intern program. In October 2021 he moved from the zoo to be the Division Project Manager for the North Carolina Aquariums. There, James oversees construction projects for the state’s three aquariums at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher. Included in that mix also is Jeanette’s Pier – a facility that combines a 1,000-foot-long pier out into the Atlantic Ocean with educational exhibits and research facilities. Since joining AZFA in 2016, James has served on the Conservation and Site Selection committees for the past several years.
John Borgmeyer

AZFA Director at Large (Year 2)

John Borgmeyer
Senior Manager of Exhibits & Maintenance, Woodland Park Zoo
top-arrow
John Borgmeyer
Senior Manager of Exhibits & Maintenance, Woodland Park Zoo
John Borgmeyer has been with the Woodland Park Zoo full time since 2007, working in a variety of roles including Exhibit Technician, WildLights Installation Coordinator, and Exhibits Manager. He currently holds the position of Sr. Manager of Exhibits & Maintenance (interim). John and his team focus on providing exceptional animal welfare in naturalistic exhibits by mimicking natural habitats whenever possible, combining the increasing use of data and keeper collaboration with specialized materials and artistic expertise to result in sustainable and enriching experiences. John holds certificates in both Project Management and Facilities Management from the University of Washington as well as the Facility Management Professional credential from IFMA. Outside of work, John enjoys chasing his nine-year old Black Labrador up mountains, having National Park adventures with his wife, and rooting for his hometown St. Louis Cardinals, keep him on his toes.
Allmon Forrester

AZFA Director at Large (Year 3)

Allmon Forrester
Director of Operations, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan
top-arrow
Allmon Forrester
Director of Operations, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Earle Blomberg

AZFA Treasurer

Earle Blomberg
Facilities Maintenance Lead, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
top-arrow
Earle Blomberg
Facilities Maintenance Lead, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Earle Blomberg is the Facilities Maintenance Lead at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a division of Metro
Parks Tacoma. He has worked at Trek for over 36 years, starting as a seasonal employee while he was in high school. Over the years he has been responsible for all aspects of maintenance and mechanical work throughout the park and is the certified operator for the park’s water system. He has designed and overseen the construction of multiple animal holding areas. Earle is a native to the Washington area
and has enjoyed running, camping, and hiking in these Cascade Mountains. Outside of work, Earle spends most of his time with his wife, dogs Yui and Lumen, and with his growing granddaughter, 3-year-old Lily. Earle has been active in AZFA since attending his first conference in 2006 and has been on several committees over the years.
Kirsty Strobridge

AZFA Secretary

Kirsty Strobridge
Operations Administrative Assistant, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
top-arrow
Kirsty Strobridge
Operations Administrative Assistant, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Sam Peterson

AZFA Administrator

Sam Peterson
Sustainability Coordinator, San Antonio Zoo
top-arrow
Sam Peterson
Sustainability Coordinator, San Antonio Zoo