This award recognizes those professionals that have been a member of ZRA for five (5) years or less and, during that time, demonstrated outstanding early initiative and commitment to the vision, mission, and goals of the Association. Through their involvement in ZRA leadership, ZRA programs, and/or other achievements, they have been inspirational to fellow members of the organization.

The ZRA member selected for the Tim Kurkowski Horizon Award will be an individual who stands out among their peers, demonstrates early achievement in leadership, is known for actively promoting the mission and values of the Association, contributed to the advancement of the profession, and has encouraged others to participate and grow in their professional development.

To be eligible for this award, members must be:

1. In good standing prior to being nominated (dues are current and you haven't gotten in trouble with the Ethics Committee - see the Bylaws for the specific definition)
2. A ZRA member for five (5) years or less at the time of nomination
3. Either currently perform or be able to demonstrate past experience performing those duties regularly associated with the registrar function in a zoo, aquarium, or related facility. They do not need to hold the title of "registrar" to be eligible

Candidates must be nominated by at least three Professional category members, all of whom must also be in good standing.

A Call for Nominations will be posted to the ZRA website and emailed to all members sixty days prior to the Annual Conference. Three members are needed to nominate a candidate for this award. Nominations must include:

• The nominee's name, place of employment, and years of registrar experience
• The name and place of employment of each Professional category member providing the nomination
• A description of the accomplishments of the nominee that meets the criteria for the award, including the written testimonial of at least three ZRA Professional category members who were inspired by the candidate, in such a way that has provided for their own professional achievement or leadership development.

The deadline for submission of award nominations to the ZRA President will be included in the Call for Nominations. Nominations must be submitted by that deadline to be considered. The Board will consider all nominations received and decide upon a winner by a simple majority vote. Only one person may win the Horizon Award each year. Once the decision is made, the ZRA President will notify the recipient. The award will be presented at that year's Annual Conference. The employer of the recipient will receive a letter from the ZRA President, congratulating them on their award.

2024 -- Amie Bialo, Registrar, Seattle Aquarium

Enthusiastically shares her extensive knowledge of group management and is extremely willing to help out her colleagues whenever she can.  She has already presented at multiple ZRA conferences.  She inspires other members to dive into the world of group records.

2023 -- Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Specialist, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Took the lead on revising two TCP modules (1 and 6) - the only member to do so - and inspired her Module 1 team to be the first to complete their update.  She is also the Chair of the History Committee.  Her leadership style is relaxed and supportive.

2022 -- Helen Pontillo, Registrar, Aquarium of the Pacific

Co-founded ZRA's virtual Happy Hour series in 2020 and also accepted the position of Design Team lead for the TCP update, which involved learning new software and managing / encouraging the rest of the team to succeed in this heavy lift

2018 -- Ashley Arimborgo, Registrar, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Took a leadership role in updating the ZRA brochure, in creating a marketing plan for the brand-new Training Certificate Program (TCP), and in researching options for the printing of new TCP/ZRA banners.  Ashley has accepted multiple leadership roles in ZRA Committees and she is always willing to push projects to the finish line.

2012 -- Krista Adelhardt, Assistant Registrar, Saint Louis Zoo

2010 -- Barbara Outerbridge, Registrar, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo

This award represents excellence in activities representing the zoological registrar profession, with an emphasis on animal record keeping, at the nominee's own institution or within the zoo and aquarium community at large. Some examples of excellence in the zoological registrar profession include: contributions to fellow registrars through innovation or initiative in the performance of record keeping duties; increased appreciation of the importance of the Registrar’s work throughout the zoo and aquarium profession; activities within the Association that represent commitment and significant contributions to the goals and objectives of the organization. Previous recipients may be nominated again as long as it is for a different achievement.

To be eligible for this award, candidates must be:

1. Professional category members in good standing both currently and for five full years prior to their nomination OR retirees who were Professional category members in good standing and who retired less than five years ago. Retired members do not need to be active ZRA members to be eligible so long as they are still within that five-year window. (“In good standing” means your dues are current and you haven’t gotten in trouble with the Ethics Committee – see the Bylaws for the specific definition)
2. Either currently perform or be able to demonstrate past experience performing those duties regularly associated with the registrar function in a zoo, aquarium, or related facility. They do not need to hold the title of “registrar” to be eligible.
3. Have worked in the above-described capacity for a minimum of five years. These years may be acquired from more than one institution.
4. Be nominated by at least three Professional category members in good standing.  Nominations must be for the same accomplishment.

Current members of the ZRA Board of Directors or Nominations and Elections Committee are not eligible for this award.

A Call for Nominations will be posted to the ZRA website and emailed to all members sixty days prior to the Annual Conference. Three members are needed to nominate a candidate for this award. Nominations must include:

1. The nominee’s name, place of employment, and years of registrar experience.
2. The name and place of employment of each Professional Category member providing the nomination.
3. A description of the accomplishments of the nominee that meets the criteria for the award.

The deadline for submission of award nominations to the ZRA President will be included in the Call for Nominations. Nominations must be submitted by that deadline to be considered. The Board will consider all nominations received and decide upon a winner by a simple majority vote. Only one person may win the Excellence Award each year.

Once the decision is made, the ZRA President will notify the recipient. The award will be presented at that year’s Annual Conference. The employer of the recipient will receive a letter from the ZRA President congratulating them on their award.

2024 - Kaylin Dunn, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

For her dedication to the mentorship of numerous ZRA members and for her knowledge, expertise, and devotion to the field, which has fostered growth and excellence in the Registrar community.

2007 - Lynn McDuffie, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For her contributions to the ZIMS development process and her long-standing commitment as ZRA’s permit and licensing liaison with both AZA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

2007 - Nilda Ferrer, Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo

For her contributions to the ZIMS development process and her long standing role as co-chair of AZA’s International Animal Data Information Systems (IADISC) Committee

2005 - Linda Robledo, Audubon Zoological Garden

For her early ZRA Leadership: she developed one of the first in-house Records Keeper Training.  She also helped develop the importance of Genealogies to animal records, developed the Dealer Profile Process, and co-founded the Safe Haven animal records concept.

2003 - Adrienne Miller, Roger Williams Park Zoo

For her involvement and leadership in several ZRA activities, for being the mammal team leader in developing the Standards for Data Entry, and for her involvement in founding and as a continuing instructor for the Institutional Records Keeping (IRK) course.  Adrienne was also the first member of ZRA to be elected to the AZA’s Management School Board of Regents.

2000 - Karin Schwartz, Milwaukee County Zoo

Karin developed the original Institutional Record Keeping (IRK) Course, which became an AZA sponsored Management School course.

2000 - Joanne Earnhardt, Lincoln Park Zoo

Joanne developed the first organized set of Data Entry Standards for Exotic Animal Records

1993 - Jean Miller, Buffalo Zoo

Jean developed the first Animal Records Keeping Manual.

1993 - Judith Block, National Zoo (Smithsonian Institution)

Judith developed the first Animal Records Keeping Manual

Winners of the Judith Block Mentorship Award will have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the professional development and mentorship of other members through their outstanding leadership, performance, and behavior. Testimonials from ZRA members will illustrate how the award recipient’s mentorship activities have resulted in professional achievements for others.

To be eligible for this award, members must be:

1. Professional category members in good standing both currently and for five full years prior to their nomination OR retirees who were Professional category members in good standing and who retired less than five years ago. Retired members do not need to be active ZRA members to be eligible so long as they are still within that five-year window. (“In good standing” means your dues are current and you haven’t gotten in trouble with the Ethics Committee – see the Bylaws for the specific definition)
2. Either currently perform or be able to demonstrate past experience performing those duties regularly associated with the registrar function in a zoo, aquarium, or related facility. They do not need to hold the title of “registrar” to be eligible.
3. Have worked in the above-described capacity for a minimum of five years. These years may be acquired from more than one institution.
4. Be nominated for the same accomplishments by three different Professional category members in good standing.

Current members of the ZRA Board of Directors or Nominations and Elections Committee are not eligible for this award.

A Call for Nominations will be posted to the ZRA website and emailed to all members sixty days prior to the Annual Conference. At least three members are needed to nominate a candidate for this award. Nominations must include:

1. The nominee’s name, place of employment, and years of registrar experience.
2. The name and place of employment of each Professional Category member providing the nomination.
3. The accomplishments of the nominee that meet the criteria for the award, including the written testimonial of at least three ZRA members that have been mentored by the award candidate, which supported for their own professional achievement.

The deadline for submission of award nominations to the ZRA President will be included in the Call for Nominations. Nominations must be submitted by that deadline to be considered. The Board will consider all nominations received and decide upon a winner by a simple majority vote. Only one person may win the Mentorship Award each year.

Once the decision is made, the ZRA President will notify the recipient. The award will be presented at that year’s Annual Conference. The employer of the recipient will receive a letter from the ZRA President congratulating them on their award.

2023 • Nancy Butler, Detroit Zoo

2018 • Rae Lynn Haliday, St. Louis Zoo

2017 • Glenous Favata, Toledo Zoo

2016 • Adrienne Miller, Audubon Zoo, and Jean Miller, Buffalo Zoo

2011 • Linda Robledo, Audubon Zoo

2007 • Judith Block, Registrar Emeritus (acknowledged as the first recipient of this newly established award).

For 25 years as a zoo registrar with the highest professional standards. Judith was instrumental in the founding of the Registrars’ Group and later in 1994 ZRA. As one of the very few founders in 1984 who actually was a registrar, she was an important and active mentor to the first two generations of registrars that followed. She was also a driving force in developing and establishing zoo and aquarium records standards, and in developing professional standards in ZRA.

Nominees must have demonstrated notable contributions towards the achievements, goals and objectives of the Association through their participation, work ethic and leadership. 

To be eligible for this award:

1. Candidates must have been a member in good standing prior to being nominated.
2. Current members of the ZRA Board of Directors who are eligible to receive the award must abstain from voting if nominated.
3. A candidate must be nominated by at least one Professional category member of ZRA who is in good standing.
4. Nominees must currently perform or be able to demonstrate past experience in those duties regularly associated with the registrar function, regardless of actual title, in a zoo, aquarium or related facility. Collective experience may be acquired at more than one institution

A Call for Nominations will be posted to the ZRA website with an email notice to the membership no less than sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Conference. The specific date shall be determined by the current ZRA Board of Directors in conjunction with the deadline for the Call for Award Nominations. Nominations must include:

1. The nominee’s name, place of employment and years of registrar experience.
2. The name and place of employment of the Professional Category member providing the nomination.
3. A written description of the nominee's accomplishments that meet the criteria for the award,

The deadline for submission of award nominations to the ZRA President shall be determined by the current ZRA Board of Directors in conjunction with the deadline for the Call for Award Nominations. All nominations are submitted to the Board of Directors for review. The number of awards given each year will be based on merit; this award is not limited to one awardee per year. Final decisions will be determined by a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors.

The ZRA President shall notify recipients prior to the presentation of the award at the Annual Conference. The employers of recipients will receive a letter from the ZRA President indicating that their employee will receive an award at the Annual Conference. Awards will be presented during the Recognition Ceremony at the Annual Conference. The Outstanding Service Award consists of an appropriate plaque, and a letter from the ZRA President.

2024

• Ingrid Russel, Chair of the Newsletter Committee
• Sheri Bradley, Annual Conference Program Chair and Website Manager, Sheri Bradley
• Lindsey Herron, Chair of the Training Committee

2023

• Jessica Grote, Chair of Nominations and Elections Committee (2017-2023)
• Stephanie Eller, ZRA President (for the website redesign project)
• Shelly Roach, Chair of Annual Conference Committee (2020-2023)

2021

• Vickie Edel and Helen Pontillo (for creating the Virtual Happy Hours)
• Joann Watson, for work in both the Training Committee and the Annual Conference Committee
• Sylvia Ware and Ashley Arimborgo for leading the new Marketing & Outreach Committee(2020-2021)

2020

• Jessica Grote, Nominations & Elections Committee Chair
• Karen Poly, Annual Conference Host of a COVID-doomed conference :(
• Gloria Rivera
• Donna Bear, Assistant Website Manager

2019

• Jenn Wilson, Annual Conference Chair (2015-2019)
• The TCP Task Force leaders (Rae Lynne Haliday, Mary Noell, Melody Brooks and Jean Miller)

2015

• Beth Bahner, Chair of Membership Services Committee 

2014

• Krista Adelhardt, Chair of Annual Conference Committee
• Emily Mattox, Chair of Bylaws Committee during a time of significant Bylaws modifications
• Jacki Arase, Chair of Training Committee

2013

• Susan Reno, Committee Member, Membership Services Committee
• Deanna Snell, Committee Member, Nominations & Elections Committee
• Joann Watson, Committee Member, Training Committee

2012

• Susan Reno, Chairman, Membership Services Committee
• Nancy Butler, Bylaws Committee
• Adrienne Miller, Committee Member, Training Committee

2011

• Jenn Wilson, Chairman, Marketing & Public Relations Subcommittee
• Tricia Webster, Chairman, Nominations & Elections Committee
• Natasha Scott, Chairman, Standards Development Committee

2010

• Rae Lynn Haliday, Chairman, Annual Conference Subcommittee
• Dawn Petefish, Chairman, Bylaws Committee
• Krista Adelhardt, Chairman, Professional Development Committee

2009

• Elaine Huddleston, Chairman, Membership Services Committee
• Pam Krentz, Chairman, Nominations & Elections Committee
• Jean Miller, Chairman, Training Committee

2008

• Marla Waddell, Chairman, Marketing & PR Subcommittee
• Deborah Halin, Chairman, Ethics Committee
• Adrienne Miller, Committee Member, Training Committee