Sustainability Steering Committee

The Sustainability Steering Committee (SSC) was formed in late 2021. The Committee is composed of Zoo staff from throughout the organization who meet as a large group monthly to discuss sustainability topics, and meet in small groups called Focus Teams to address various sustainability goals. The SSC also oversees the Green Fund, an annual allocation dedicated to making improvements in the Zoo’s natural resource usage.

If you are interested in joining the SSC, please fill out this form or reach out to one of our two 2024 Sustainability Steering Committee Co-chairs:

Ann Knutson at ann.knutson@dallaszoo.com

Chris Corpus at chris.corpus@dallaszoo.com

Dallas Zoo Sustainability Steering Committee Purpose

The Dallas Zoo Sustainability Steering Committee exists to support the integration of sustainability across the Zoo, support the achievement of the 2030 goals, and support communication efforts of sustainability efforts.

Engage. Facilitate communication and engage organizational peers in the implementation of sustainable actions and strategies.
Normalize. Embed sustainability as a cultural norm and support the continuation of these programs, while leveraging staff diversity as a strength.
Lead. Establish Dallas Zoo as a sustainability leader for the local community and industry peers.

SSC Cultural Norms

Intention. We agree to engage perspectives from across the organization and practice active listening as we do.
Respect. We treat each other with dignity and acknowledge peer input as valid.
Diversity. We recognize diversity as a valued strength.
Support. We commit to help each other and our peers in learning about, working toward, and accomplishing our sustainability goals.

Sustainability Steering Committee [Updated: Feb 2024]

Adam Garland, General Manager for SSA
Ann Knutson*, Zoological Manager
Chris Corpus, Director of Conservation
Clayton Anders, Building/Equipment Maintenance Manager
David Smallwood, Assistant Supervisor of Education
Donny Shubert, Environmental Manager
Isaac Trevino-Berry, Zoologist
Janelle Barron, Administrative Assistant
John Fried, Animal Department Projects Manager
Kari Streiber, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Nicole Sweeney, Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving
Michael Poirier, Executive Vice President, Animal Care & Conservation
Sean Greene, Executive Vice President/Park Operations
Sydney Wasson, Conservation Culture Coordinator

Recent Efforts

D CEO Finalist

The Sustainability Steering Committee is a finalist for the D CEO 2023 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards!

Green Fund 2024

For the past two years, the SSC has allocated funds to sustainability improvements at the zoo. This year, the Zoo has dedicated $20,000 to sustainability projects that will be ranked and prioritized based on their environmental, financial, and social impacts. Please submit your ideas here, and an SSC member will reach out to you to help build out your idea! Previous projects have included: