“I’ve had many leaders, including teachers and professors and I always try to emulate the best parts of their leadership styles in my own role” says Huston. “Any opportunity to learn and grow is important. I’m very open to learning and to new ideas, and I’m always looking to improve myself”.
Adam believes the key to being a successful leader in a leading conservation organization is learning to adapt. In his words, “What got you here won’t get you there. Having an open and innovative mindset is critical to my success as a leader, and our collective success as an organization.”
Adam is one of nine selected candidates in the 2023 cohort and is the third member of your Toronto Zoo to be selected for the prestigious program. Jennifer Tracey, Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Guest Experience underwent the 13-month program in 2020, and Dolf DeJong, CEO, also completed the program in 2017.
“Having been through the program myself, I can attest to its value in preparing the next generation of incredible leaders within the AZA community” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo. “We are very proud Adam has been selected as the third Toronto Zoo candidate, and it is most deserved. His experience, knowledge, and lifelong dedication to creating the best guest experience possible for our guests will serve him well as he continues his leadership journey”.
The focus of the ELDP is on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to be most effective in the role of a zoo or aquarium Director. The competency model emphasizes three tiers that include:
Executive Leadership Behaviors, which define the heart and values of an effective leader and the leadership approach to inspire, model, challenge, enable, and encourage others to deliver on the facility's mission.
Executive Focus, which defines skills and knowledge needed to sustain a viable institution, be an effective executive participant in AZA forums and advance the mission.
Executive Oversight for Zoo/Aquarium Operations, which defines the skills and knowledge needed to provide executive oversight for the operations at the Institutional level.
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the 13 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.