BIAZA Executive Office

Meet the Team

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  Chief Executive Officer

  Dr Jo Judge Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580602

  Jo has extensive experience as Chief Executive of a wildlife charity network organisation, bringing experience of working with diverse partners towards the delivery of common goals and providing a collective voice for the sector. She has a background in scientific research and has an MRes in Ecology and Environmental Management and a PhD in Wildlife Disease Ecology. Jo is passionate about increasing knowledge of our environment, its wildlife and the conservation and preservation of the natural world.
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  Head of Species Management & Conservation

  Nicky Needham Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580591

  Nicky joined BIAZA in December 2013. With 10 years zoo keeping experience gained at Paignton Zoo, Taronga Zoo in Sydney and ZSL London Zoo, Nicky contributes a wealth of practical knowledge of natural history and zoo biology and an in-depth understanding of the zoo industry.  With MSc degrees in Marine Science and in Zoo Conservation Biology, she is particularly keen to support the increasingly important role of aquariums in modern conservation and sustainability.  She works closely with the committees and the working groups, keeping members informed of changes in relevant policy and supporting them in all their conservation and animal care activities and responsibilities.
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  Senior Manager

  Dr Cerian Tatchley Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580599

  Cerian has a background in zoo education and research.  She has an MSc in Animal Behaviour and a PhD in Ecology and Economics.  Cerian has worked in several BIAZA member zoos including RZSS, ZSL London Zoo, Bristol Zoo Gardens and Living Coasts in a variety of roles including within animal care, education and research teams.  
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  Membership Officer

  Alex Blatherwick Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580588

  Alex joined the team in March 2018. With a Masters in Primate Conservation, a Masters in Biochemistry, and background in education, science communication and public engagement, Alex previously worked at the British Science Association and volunteers extensively. She has been a volunteer at ZSL London Zoo for seven years, including volunteering with the Community & Learning team for two years.

  Alex supports our membership, including working on BIAZA publications, events and conferences, and managing new membership applications.
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  Accreditation Officer

  Frankie Lawrence-Thompson Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580595

  Frankie joined the BIAZA team in January 2019. Previous to this she had worked for several BIAZA members such as Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Drusillas Zoo Park in different departments, including Education, Records Keeping and Volunteer Coordination. Frankie has a Master's degree in Anthrozoology and is particularly passionate about engaging the public with non-charasmatic species. Frankie's experience in different roles and departments in zoos and aquariums allows her to undertake her job supporting BIAZA's accreditation scheme. 

   
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  Accreditation Officer

  Deana Stephens Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07521625225

  Deana has a scientific background, including the areas of welfare and education and is a member of the BIAZA Animal Welfare Working Group. In her previous career she worked in elite sport, as a university lecturer and in major trauma, however, transitioned into the zoo industry after discovering the transference of skills. She is passionate about increasing knowledge regarding animal welfare, particularly enclosure utilisation and the assessment of welfare, and has had the pleasure of contributing towards various committees, working groups and charities. 
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  Communications and Public Affairs Manager

  Andy Hall Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580603

  Prior to BIAZA, Andy oversaw communications and campaigns at the Campaign for National Parks. During this time, he co-authored a report on improving biodiversity in national parks, that was taken forward by a Government-commissioned review. He also led a number of successful PR initiatives. Andy has experience in politics and business consultancy, and has been a volunteer at ZSL London Zoo for four years. Andy started at BIAZA in April 2020.
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  Finance and Admin Officer

  Jeff Green Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07593580605

  Jeff's first job was folding bank statements for a high street bank. It took him eleven years to get bored of this and then he spent eight years as a full-time youth worker. With the birth of his second daughter, Jeff wanted normal working hours and switched into charity finance. Along the way he qualified as an accounting technician and worked for three different charities before finding his way to BIAZA.
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  Communications and Campaigns Officer

  Maria Carbin Email : [email protected] Telephone : 07729113398

  Maria joined the team in March 2022 after working in BIAZA aquariums in both animal care and marketing.
  Since completing her MSc in Entomology and getting her Dive Masters, she has also volunteered for Conservation Optimism and is a fan of all things aquatic.