As we step into 2025, Species360 is delighted to announce the addition of five remarkable individuals to our Board of Trustees. These leaders bring diverse expertise, passion, and commitment to conservation that will strengthen our ability to tackle the world’s biodiversity challenges.
Our newest trustees represent a global spectrum of institutions and industries, spanning zoos, aquariums, renewable energy, and botanical gardens. Their collective knowledge and experience will guide us in empowering our global member community to drive meaningful conservation outcomes.
Let’s meet our new trustees:
Chief Veterinarian, Marine World Uminonakamichi (MWU), Fukuoka, Japan
General Curator, Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town, South Africa
Andrea Taylor’s impressive career spans marine biology, cetacean conservation, and curatorial leadership. She holds an honors degree in echinoderm behavior from Marine and Freshwater Biology at Queen Mary, University of London, and pursued her master’s degree in cetacean conservation at Cape Town, with a particular focus on bycatch. Her deep connection to marine ecosystems and ability to drive impactful conservation strategies make her an invaluable addition to our board.
CEO, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE
As the CEO of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, Dr. Walid Shaaban plays a pivotal role in reshaping the Zoo as a world-class destination that integrates wildlife conservation with modern approaches. His leadership at Emirates Park Zoo and Resort has been marked by transformative growth and innovation. Under his guidance, the institution has received accreditation of gold standards from the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), making it the first zoo in the Middle East to achieve this distinction. Additionally, Emirates Park Zoo has earned full institutional membership with WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Dr. Shaaban graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Cairo University and pursued international postgraduate studies at Sparsholt, UK, specializing in zoo and aquarium animal management, conservation biology, and environmental sustainability, postgraduate Diploma in assisted reproduction in the wild species.With expertise in conservation biology and environmental sustainability, Dr. Shaaban’s work bridges education, community engagement, and global partnerships, embodying the transformative impact of conservation leadership.
Chief Technology Officer, CleanChoice Energy, Washington, DC, USA
Anthony Hoang is a technology executive with a mission to make green energy accessible and affordable. As CTO of CleanChoice Energy, Anthony has spearheaded digital innovations that align sustainability with advanced technology. Mr. Hoang holds a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from UVA Darden. His expertise in data science and engineering will bring fresh perspectives to Species360’s technology-driven approach to biodiversity conservation.
President & CEO, Naples Botanical Garden, Florida, USA
Donna McGinnis leads Naples Botanical Garden’s continued growth as a cultural institution and engine of applied environmental science, and has worked with opera, ballet, university, and museum institutions. She holds an MBA and the Professional Certificate for IUCN’s Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, and the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Public Gardens Association and the International Advisory Council of Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Donna’s commitment to conservation solutions rooted in nature-based strategies resonates deeply with Species360’s mission.
These new trustees join us at an exciting time as Species360 continues to expand its global impact. Their expertise and leadership will help guide us as we develop innovative tools and collaborations that drive conservation outcomes.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Kondo, Ms. Taylor, Dr. Shaaban, Mr. Hoang, and Ms. McGinnis to the Species360 Board of Trustees. Together, we look forward to advancing our shared vision of empowering conservation efforts worldwide.
We invite our members and partners to join us in welcoming these exceptional individuals to our board. Their leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our collective efforts to protect the diversity of life on Earth.
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