AArk Staff
Kevin Zippel - KevinZ (at) amphibianark.org
Amphibian Program Director
Kevin coordinates all aspects of implementation within the Amphibian Ark initiative to fulfill the mandate for ex situ components of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan. He works with and oversees the team of AArk officers to carry out conservation needs assessment efforts for taxa and geographic regions; design sound conservation plans and management protocols; build capacity to implement programs; monitor successes and ongoing needs; oversee communication within the AArk, to other conservation partners, and to the public; and fund-raising.
Ron Gagliardo Ron (at) amphibianark.org
Training Officer
Ron joined the AArk team in 2008, in the role of Training Officer and he is based at Zoo Atlanta in the US. In this position he leads development and implementation of Ex Situ Conservation Training Workshops for building capacity of individuals and institutions to conduct successful ex situ conservation programs for amphibian species. Although he was trained as a chemist and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Botany from North Carolina State University in 1987 and 1992, he has maintained a deep interest in amphibians and reptiles.
Kevin Johnson KevinJ (at) amphibianark.org
Taxon Officer and Communications & Development Officer
Kevin assists AArk partners in identifying priority taxa and regions for ex situ conservation work and helps coordinate among Taxon Management Groups. Kevin is based in New South Wales, Australia.
In the Communications and Development Officer role, Kevin develops communications strategies, messages, newsletters and other materials to promote understanding and action on behalf of amphibian conservation and assist AArk partner organizations in reaching multiple audiences within AArk organizations, the conservation community, governments, and the public.
Joe Mendelson Joe (at) amphibianark.org
Research and Fundraising Officer
Joe is responsible for advancing efforts to secure resources for ex situ programs for amphibian species at risk of extinction in their natural habitats. He also manages collaborations with our partner organizations to support the implementation of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP).
Joe is based at Zoo Atlanta in Georgia, USA, where in addition to his half-time role with the AArk, he conducts basic and applied research on reptiles and amphibians, and works with the Herpetology staff to promote the ongoing scientific management of the collection.
Elizabeth Townsend Elizabeth (at) amphibianark.org
Administrative Assistant
As part of the IUCN/SSC CBSG’s commitment to support the efforts of AArk, Elizabeth spends part of her time working in an administrative capacity for AArk. Her primary role is in taking care of the financial side of operations, such as handling incoming donations and keeping track of donor records. She is based in the CBSG office in Minnesota.
