President Obama has announced his intent to nominate Bert Castro, president and CEO of the Arizona Zoological Society/Phoenix Zoo, as a member of the National Museum and Library Services Board.
Castro joins two other nominees for appointment to the board. The National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB) is an advisory body that includes the director and deputy directors of the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) and 20 presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed members of the general public who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services. Members of this board advise the IMLS director on general policy, practices and on selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Services.
Castro has led the Arizona Zoological Society/Phoenix Zoo since 2008. Before his time in Phoenix, he was executive director and CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden. With a varied and unique work history, Castro has served in almost every capacity related to animal care during his zoological career. Castro began his career as the Children’s Zoo keeper at the Tulsa Zoo in 1985, spent time as the assistant curator at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans from 1993 and 1995, then became the curator of birds and mammals at Zoo Atlanta from 1995 to 1997 and living collections manager/general curator at the San Antonio Zoo from 1997 to 2001. Castro has also served on several boards including the Zoo Conservation Outreach, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Board of St. Gregory’s University. Castro holds an associate’s degree in natural science from St. Gregory’s University, a B.S. in zoology from Oklahoma State University and an M.S. from Friends University.
• Beverly Stidham, (480) 898-7924 or bstidham@ahwatukee.com
