Our Team

Leadership Biographies

Julia Wilder

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

Julia is responsible for overseeing ZDR3’s daily operations, developing and implementing the organization’s long-term strategic goals, and overseeing response operations and deploying with response teams. As the primary On-Scene Liaison and Needs Assessor, Julia is often the first responder deployed and the last one out. She has served in the wake of many significant incidents, including Hurricane Laura (2020 - Louisiana), Hurricane Ian (2022 - Florida), Typhoon Mawar (2023 - Guam), Wildfires (2024 - California), Hurricane Helene (2024 - Georgia), and Hurricane Milton (2024 - Florida).

As one of the most experienced zoological responders in the country, Julia serves on a variety of industry and government committees and working groups, including as the founding Co-Chair of the ZAA Safety & Security Committee. In addition to her focus on disaster response, Julia also has a background in security and industry government affairs, including state and federal legislative and regulatory considerations.

“ZDR3 is the vision and work of many individuals, and it is predicated on our industry’s ongoing desire to care for one another,” says Julia. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to help connect the dots between those who most need support, and those most willing and able to serve. The ZDR3 Network is many things, but perhaps most critically, we are purveyors of hope.”

Julia has served in a variety of roles in the zoological industry for over 20 years, with a focus on risk mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery work at exotic animal facilities. She co-founded ZDR3 in 2019. ZDR3 has since grown to be the largest zoological disaster response organization in the United States, and the Network has deployed on many disasters around the country and the world.

Michael Fouraker

PRESIDENT

Mike Fouraker has spent his 50-year career working in zoological institutions. He has been the Director of the Fort Worth Zoo since 1993. With decades of animal, exhibitry, and zoo management expertise, Mike has focused his career on building partnerships that support global conservation initiatives. His field experience includes work in Africa, India, South America, North America, and throughout the Caribbean.

An advocate of sustainability and active wildlife management, Mike leads a team of Fort Worth Zoo scientists, representing a wide variety of disciplines that include animal behavior, health and reproduction, nutrition, and field conservation. This group supports projects in 17 countries, as well as focused research at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Mike is a Board Member of the Zoological Association of America; the founder and President of the International Elephant Foundation; founding Board Member, former President and current Board Member of the International Iguana Foundation, and Board Member of the International Rhino Foundation. “If a population was in trouble, that became my specialty,” he explains. “The same with ZDR3; there was a need and no one else was doing anything about it.”

As the President and Treasurer of the ZDR3 Board of Directors (BOD), Mike offers our staff valuable guidance and support. He has led disaster response teams assisting their peers for years, but as the frequency and severity of weather events increased, he recognized that there needed to be a more formalized structure to manage response teams. “My skill is finding the right people to solve problems and build with,” says Michael. When ZDR3 was being formed, the Board of Directors determined co-founder Julia Wilder should be its Executive Director. “She was the right person to lead this organization. We started the build, and she and her team have made it what it is today.”

Eric Trager

VICE PRESIDENT

Eric Trager’s full biography is coming soon! He is the Director of the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels, TX. He is a founding member of ZDR3.

Susan Kleven

SECRETARY

Susan and her team have been instrumental in helping to develop digital resource typing and management tools. The team has also been instrumental in developing cutting edge ways to measure and record data to optimize animal welfare. Susan is a strong advocate for husbandry training for cooperative care and staff professional development. She currently serves as board liaison to the Zoological Association of America’s (ZAA) Animal Training committee. 

Susan and her team have responded to multiple flood events and ice events that have significantly impacted the zoo. Her team received recognition for flood response in 2007. Susan has received extensive emergency management training (FEMA, NIMS, and HAZWOPER) and experience. 

In 2019 Susan deployed to Australia to volunteer with Bushfire Wildlife Rescue & Support. “Given my previous experience with macropod raising and handling, I felt my knowledge and skills could be put to good use,” she explains. Among her many experiences, Susan helped supply and monitor feed and water stations, organized supplies to wildlife carers, fed neonates, assisted with care of animals being treated for burns, and participated in search and rescue assignments.

A founding member of ZDR3, Susan is the Secretary of our Board of Directors. She is also a valued member of the ZDR3 Communications Command Post.

When hurricanes damaged zoos in Louisiana in 2020, Susan played a critical role, remotely managing communications among the zoos and the response teams. “I was connecting the dots for those in the field or en route to deployment and making sure documentation occurred in real time,” she says. "It was a lot of long hours, but very rewarding." Susan has since provided remote support for several ZDR3 responses.

Susan Kleven, the Director of the Frank Buck Zoo, oversaw a major expansion of the zoo in 2004, doubling the footprint, number of staff, and animal collection. The expansion included a shift from a free zoo to a fee zoo. founding member of ZDR3, Susan is the Secretary of our Board of Directors. She is also a valued member of the ZDR3 Communications Command Post.

Tim Morrow

DIRECTOR

Prior to joining San Antonio Zoo in December 2014, Tim had a 24-year career in the theme park industry, which included the opening of several parks, including Fiesta Texas in San Antonio; Parque Plaza Sésamo in Monterrey, Mexico; Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida; SeaWorld, and opened Aquatica Waterpark in San Antonio, Texas.

Tim’s vision has taken San Antonio Zoo to new heights with a reinvested of $120 million into the 110-year-old non-profit since 2014. Over that time, hundreds of habitats have been improved, including several large-scale renovations. These renovations and reimaginings include the newly expanded Naylor Savanna the largest habitat in the zoo’s history doubling the space for giraffes and rhinos and tripling the space for zebras, ostriches, sitatunga, and home to unique experiences like Conserfari Tours and Spekboom Lodge, A brand-new zoo entrance that reflects the sights and sounds of San Antonio, NEOTROPICA, featuring a unique cat-walk system that allows the jaguars 120% more habitat space, a new savanna for giraffes that is undergoing an additional expansion by 126%, a beautiful butterfly rainforest and many more. In January 2018, the zoo’s preschool for children, Will Smith Zoo School, opened on its new campus, becoming the largest nature-based preschool in the country and in 2019, it was awarded LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the first for a preschool in the country. 

In addition to the ZDR3 Board of Directors, Tim has served and continues to serve on boards for several organizations. Currently, Tim is the Chairman of the board of directors for Texas Travel Alliance and the Chairman of Visit San Antonio's Leisure Advisory Committee. Additionally, he sits on the boards for Visit San Antonio, UTSA Athletics Marketing Advisory Council, UTSA Development Council, the Urban Outreach Advisory Committee for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the International Elephant Foundation.  

San Antonio Zoo fields one of the most active response teams in the U.S. “We love to help others in need, as they are our colleagues in the zoological fields,” Tim explains. “Our culture is to take care of each other, and that includes our peers and others caring for animals. Having access to a network of zoos that have committed to help one another is incredibly valuable. There is so much to deal with after a disaster, having a third party like ZDR3 coordinating and bringing in assistance allows the facility to focus on other needs, even their own personal needs, as they are often impacted at home by the same disaster.”

Tim Morrow is the President & CEO of San Antonio Zoological Society, which operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, Kiddie Park, and Starbucks. Tim leads a team of 10 executives who oversee over 700+ employees and 600 volunteers and care for over 800 animal species, some of which are threatened, endangered, or extinct in the wild. 

Bill Street

DIRECTOR

Before joining Zoo Knoxville, Bill was Senior Vice President at the Indianapolis Zoo where he was responsible for the well-being of the living collection, the government affairs program, and the conservation and education efforts of the zoo.  He created and served as the Director of the Global Center for Species Survival, a partnership between the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission and the Zoo.

Previous to Indianapolis, Bill was Corporate Curator of Conservation and Education at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, one of the largest zoological institutions in the world with an annual attendance of more than 20 million visitors.  He was responsible for the conservation and education efforts of the company.  He served as the Executive Director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit private foundation which has given over $20 million in grants to conservation organizations.  

Bill’s career also includes the role of Senior Director of Education at the National Wildlife Federation, where he oversaw the Schoolyard Habitats and Backyard Wildlife Habitat programs, and leadership roles at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific in California.  He served as an adjunct professor at California State University. Bill has been on the Board of Directors for several non-profits including the International Zoo Educators Association and the North American Association for Environmental Education. 

Bill has collaborated with ZDR3 in a variety of roles from sending staff to support zoological institutions ravaged by natural disasters to gaining ZDR3’s support and counsel for response teams during complex, multi-day missions involving government, non-profit organizations, and private citizens. “Through extensive experience coordinating large-scale responses I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of maintaining strong industry networks to effectively address diverse needs, fortifying the lines of communication between diverse stakeholders, and utilizing relationships with government agencies to align their support,” says Bill.

Bill Street has been a passionate leader within the non-profit and for-profit attractions, zoology, education, and conservation sectors for nearly 35 years.  In 2024, Bill began serving as the President and CEO of Zoo Knoxville, one of the largest cultural organizations in East Tennessee with an attendance of nearly 600,000 visitors annually.

Staff Biographies

Mandy Matson

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Mandy was a freelance writer for 40 years, working in all media (TV, print, web, social media) on a wide variety of subjects. For more than 25 years Mandy simultaneously worked in animal care, communications, conservation, and education for zoological facilities. As a result, Mandy is especially adept at working with the media to ensure they have what they need to accurately report about zoological topics.

While working at two different zoological facilities, Mandy helped manage some significant disaster responses, both as an on-the-ground responder and a communications professional, guiding organizations through crisis communications planning, execution, and media management. In her “retirement career,” Mandy volunteers her time to write and/or edit most of ZDR3’s documents, social media posts, website pages, and presentations.

“Having experienced zoological disasters firsthand, I understand how much it means to a devastated staff to receive assistance from empathetic responders,” says Mandy. “It’s such a gift for overwhelmed and often traumatized staff members when colleagues from other organizations arrive with energy and enthusiasm to tackle difficult tasks. I’m proud to be part of the team that delivers relief.”

Cari Whittenborn

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Growing up on a farm provided Cari with a solid foundation in animal husbandry, which was instrumental in shaping her career. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's in Animal Science and a master's in Equine Industry Management, with a strong focus on Animal Welfare. Cari’s zoo career evolved from Animal Health and Welfare Manager to Executive Director. She met the ZDR3 Executive Director during a response at the flood-prone zoo where Cari worked. The two collaborated so well that Cari volunteered to help our then-fledgling nonprofit organization with communications support.

Cari’s dedication to the ZDR3 mission eventually led to a full-time staff position that has given her the opportunity to utilize both her creative and practical skills. She creates visually appealing and informative graphics for our website (which she also manages), presentations, and newsletters. When the need arises, she tracks storms and incidents, creating maps that provide real-time updates and critical information. She has also deployed as an On-Scene Liaison to facilitate effective communication and coordination among response teams.

“My dedication to animal welfare runs deep, driving me to ensure that animals receive the care they deserve, especially in times of vulnerability,” says Cari. “I firmly believe that to truly support animals, we must also support the people who care for them, adding an extra layer of empathy and compassion to my work, which I'm truly passionate about. My commitment to this cause is personal; having experienced a disaster firsthand, I understand the critical need for aid and support.”

Melanie Messer

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Prior to joining ZDR3, Melanie worked in healthcare for 15 years and has earned many certifications in First Aid and outdoor survival. She had also spent years providing administrative support for various zoo-related projects and initiatives, providing her important understanding of the zoo industry and its composition. In 2020, soon after she started working with ZDR3 to assist our Executive Director with various tasks, she deployed for a significant response, providing administrative, communications, and responder support.

Melanie’s wide-ranging skill set led to an expanding role and a full-time position. Today she provides administrative and communications support for our day-to-day operations and during deployment; maintains our internal databases; onboards new network members; manages the Sponsor program and the online merchandise store; assists with general fundraising; and coordinates travel and service providers. When she deploys for a response, Melanie coordinates travel, lodging, onsite communications, and meals for ZDR3 personnel and, at times, responders. She is frequently part of remote response work, and our central communications efforts.

“I love having a career that provides support to animals in need, and the people who care for them,” Melanie says. “I really believe in my team and our mission, and take pride in knowing we are making a difference.”

Other Team Member Biographies

Kelly Trager

BOOKKEEPER

Kelly’s bio is coming soon! She has been with us since the beginning, and appreciate her expertise as a bookkeeper for the organization.

Rachel Garner

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rachel Garner is a researcher, fact-checker, and science communicator who has spent the last decade studying and writing about the exotic animal industry. She began volunteering with ZDR3 in 2020, and has joined the team in 2024 to draft our blog posts, assist with website management, and handle miscellaneous writing tasks.

Evelyn Reis

RESEARCH

Evelyn’s full biography is coming soon! We very much appreciate the time she has invested in volunteering for ZDR3. Since joining us in 2021, Evelyn provides crucial research assistance and contributions to our situational awareness on hot topics.