Local Leaders at the Louisville Zoo

Photos By Kathryn Harrington & Matt Johnson • Sponsored 

Late spring and summer in Louisville are magical. Sunlight stretches a little longer, weekends fill with adventure, and families are looking for places to explore, connect, and make memories.One of the most locally cherished places for summertime adventure is the Louisville Zoo, where wildlife, education, and community come together in one unforgettable experience.

For this special 3rd annual editorial photo spread, Louisville Zoo returns to our pages again as both host and backdrop, this year, welcoming the leaders of some of Louisville’s most beloved cultural institutions to stand alongside its remarkable animal residents. These are the visionaries behind the museums, theaters, gardens, historic sites, and arts organizations that help express our city’s identity; people dedicated to preserving history, inspiring creativity, protecting nature, and creating spaces where our community can learn and grow.

Captured among the Zoo’s vibrant habitats and extraordinary wildlife, this feature highlights not only the individuals leading these organizations forward, but also the shared mission that connects them all: building a stronger, richer Louisville through education, access, and experience.

As summer invites us to get out and enjoy everything our city has to offer, these destinations remain some of the best places to spend a day!

This photo spread is both a celebration and a reminder: to visit, to support, and to champion the institutions that make Louisville extraordinary. And thanks to the Louisville Zoo, the sponsor of this special collaboration, we’re reminded that some of the best adventures, and the strongest community connections, can begin right here at home. 

AUKRAM BURTON 

KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE 

I did not choose leadership in Louisville so much as I grew into it—guided by the people, places, and histories that have shaped my life and work. Over time, I came to understand my role as both creative and curatorial: to help frame narratives, hold memory with care, and create spaces where stories can be seen, felt, and understood. 

Louisville is a city layered with history, where untold stories live in its neighborhoods, photographs, music, and the everyday lives of its people. I am inspired by those stories—the resilience, the beauty, the complexity— and by the belief that when we bring them forward, we do more than preserve the past; we open pathways to new ways of knowing, seeing, and being. 

My work is grounded in a lifelong engagement with the African diaspora and a commitment to connecting local experience to global narratives. Through exhibitions, archives, and community engagement, I strive to create spaces where people can encounter truth, feel a sense of belonging, and imagine new possibilities. 

For me, leadership is an extension of that practice. It is about vision shaped by responsibility and about building enduring cultural spaces—places where creativity, history, and community converge to inspire reflection, dialogue, and possibility. 

To serve in this role is both a privilege and a charge, ensuring that these stories remain visible and vital for generations to come and that they shape a more connected and just future for all people. 

GOATS 

Located near the zebras at Louisville Zoo, the Boma Petting Zoo is open year-round and offers visitors an up-close experience with some of the zoo’s friendly goats, including Cowboy, Lily, and Rocket—featured here. A favorite stop for families, Boma gives guests a chance to connect with the animals in a fun, hands-on setting. 

EMILY TARQUIN

ACTORS THEATRE 

My path has been rooted in service and getting in where I fit in. As a self-proclaimed generalist in making things happen, I aim to continue my leadership by building sustainable, community-centered institutions that can meet any moment with both rigor and imagination. My work sits at the intersection of creativity, operational strategy, and long-term financial health—because I believe the future of the arts depends on our ability to align vision with viable models that truly serve people. 

I’m particularly interested in how live arts function as an infrastructure for connection, well-being, and shared experience. I am motivated by the idea that we are not just producing work—we are shaping ecosystems. 

AMELIA ACOSTA POWELL

ACTORS THEATRE 

My leadership is galvanized by the belief that there is something irreplaceable about what happens when people gather in a room and experience a story together. The shared intake of breath, the simultaneous burst of laughter, or shedding a tear only to see someone across the way doing the same: these are the moments we remember we are not alone. 

My path has brought me to Actors Theatre of Louisville because I deeply align with the organization’s mission to serve our community with stories that inspire wonder and connection. 

Live theatre is a rare third space where strangers gather for a dynamic experience, reveling in the same humor, grieving the same loss, rooting for the same person. It is a place of imagination where we collectively conjure a better future that we co-create in real time. That shared exercise in hope is essential to our humanity. I seek to have a positive impact by making that experience accessible to as many people as possible. 

CAMELS 

Known as the ships of the desert, the Louisville Zoo offers a camel ride experience for guests from March to October. Scan the QR code to Learn About Camel rides. 

LONNIE ALI

MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER 

In every city and community where Muhammad and I lived, we were deliberate in strengthening our ties through action—through presence, service, and a shared commitment to giving back. Wherever we recognized the need or the potential to make a meaningful difference, we engaged. It was instinctive. It was who we were. 

As proud Louisvillians, our connection to this city has always been deeply personal. Louisville shaped my childhood and embraced a young Black athlete with boundless dreams, offering both support and a platform for greatness. Out of that gratitude—and guided by the power of Muhammad’s example—grew a lasting commitment to give back to this community that gave so much to us. 

What the world witnessed during Muhammad’s Memorial week—when Louisville stood as one, welcoming people from across the globe with open hearts, compassion, and a defining spirit of Southern hospitality—was not a singular moment. It was a reflection of who we are at our core. 

I was raised to believe that being part of a community is both a privilege and a responsibility—that we are called to engage, to contribute, and to leave things better than we found them. I carry that belief forward every day. As the guardian of Muhammad’s legacy, I am deeply committed to ensuring that his life and example are used in the highest and most meaningful ways—to uplift, to inspire, and to create lasting impact within this community and beyond. 

That responsibility also calls me to lead by example. For me, the greatest reward is not found in recognition or accolades, but in the quiet, powerful moments when that example inspires a young person to step forward—to serve, to lead, and to use their gifts in ways that benefit others. 

ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY 

A native of Kentucky and one of the state’s most striking pollinators, the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly is known for its bold black-and-white striped wings and graceful flight. Named for its zebra-like pattern, this distinctive butterfly is a beautiful symbol of Kentucky’s rich natural landscape and biodiversity. 

Butterflies provided by “Idlewild Butterfly Farm” 

KIM BAKER

KENTUCKY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS/ BROWN

Louisville didn’t just influence my leadership path—it made it possible. I am a product of this community: a JCPS student who first discovered music in a fourth-grade band room, a young artist who found confidence and identity through school programs and public-private partnerships like the Governor’s School for the Arts, and a lifelong audience member inspired by the Kentucky Center and stages across our city. Those opportunities led me to receive a full scholarship studying arts administration and I became a first-generation college graduate. The arts didn’t just shape my interests—they shaped my trajectory. 

That sense of possibility is what drives me today. As the first Louisvillian, the first woman, and the first Kentuckian in this role, I carry both deep pride and a clear responsibility: to ensure that the arts continue to evolve and are not something a few experience, but something everyone can access and see themselves in. 

My work is fueled by a belief that the arts are essential building blocks for a thriving community. They connect us, challenge us, and give meaning to our shared experiences. I’ve seen firsthand how the arts can shape a life—I’m living proof of it—and I’m committed to expanding that impact across our city, our state, and our country. 

This role is more than a career—it’s a calling. It’s about building a future where arts and culture are not only sustained, but centered, and where every person, in every community, has the opportunity to be transformed by them. 

KOALA - DHARUK 

Dharuk journeyed all the way from San Diego to join the family at Louisville Zoo last year, marking the return of koalas to the zoo for the first time since 2000. This lovable marsupial is now a permanent resident, giving visitors the chance to once again enjoy one of Australia’s most iconic animals right here in Louisville. 

ANDY TREINEN

FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM 

If you would have told me during any of the 25 years that I worked in television that I would one day be the President and CEO of a history museum, I wouldn’t have believed you. In fact the notion of leading what was voted the best museum in Kentucky in 2025 by Kentucky Living Magazine readers was the farthest thing from my mind. What is the old saying, “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” How grateful I am to be here. My job at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum over the last 10 years is the most gratifying job I have ever experienced. And, I’ve had some pretty cool jobs! 

While working in broadcasting in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Louisville I always had a side hustle. Not necessarily paid jobs, but outside of work I was either coaching, or mentoring at Y-Now or Big Brothers and Big Sisters, contributing on a committee, or serving on a board. It gave me great satisfaction to work towards a common goal and to share in success with others. All of that work laid an undeniable foundation for eventually leading a non-profit. 

At the Frazier our team is redefining what a history museum can mean to a community with story-telling, multimedia and so much more. 

SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS 

At Louisville Zoo, visitors can meet Letterman, a 9-year-old southern white rhinoceros and one of the zoo’s two rhinos. Featured here, Andy enjoyed a special encounter with Letterman through the Zoo’s Backstage program, which offers guests unique behind-the-scenes animal experiences and an up-close look at some of the zoo’s most remarkable residents. Guests may continue to observe Letterman daily in the Africa Zone. 

You can learn about the backstage pass at louisvillezoo.org/backstage 

REBECCA MINNICK

LOUISVILLE NATURE CENTER 

After graduating from Hanover College with a degree in geology, Rebecca Minnick traveled the U.S. working in the environmental field, where she discovered a deep love for sharing the wonder of nature with others. About 25 years ago, Rebecca was home visiting and hiking in the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve with her mom. She peered into the window of the Louisville Nature Center building and said, “Mom, I should work here some day!” In 2013, after almost 20 years away, Rebecca moved home to Louisville to work as Program Manager at Jefferson Memorial Forest. In 2018 Rebecca was hired as the Executive Director of Louisville Nature Center. LNC has grown considerably under her tenure, adding the Nature Play Area and expanding programming. In 2020 LNC created the Swallowtail Forest School, which has grown from ten students in its first year to a projected 90 students for 2026-27. (Currently enrolling students!) In 2022, Rebecca earned the Outstanding New Leader Award from the Association of Nature Center Administrators. She has almost 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator, both at nature centers and in schools. She holds an M.S. in Environmental Studies/Environmental Education from Antioch University. 

RED PANDA - SUNDARA “SUNNY D” & GANSU 

Stop by on the way to Glacier Run and meet the Louisville Zoo’s Red Pandas. Red pandas are considered crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), sleeping up to 17 hours a day. They are avid climbers due to the habitat they are found in, and often sleep in trees during the daytime. Louisville Zoo is currently offering a backstage pass to meet the red Pandas.

DAN MALONEY

LOUISVILLE ZOO

As Director of the Louisville Zoo, I have the great fortune of working with terrific people and extraordinary creatures every day. Making my passion my profession is a privilege I never take for granted. 

Our Zoo is an exceedingly positive place where families can spend quality time together, where school kids come to explore, where guests of all ages enjoy special evening events like Roarchestra and Wild Lights, and more than 900,000 folks come year-round to connect with amazing animals!

Hands-down, I’m convinced I have the best job in Louisville! My office is on the edge of our welcome plaza where the sounds of children’s delighted squeals and hearty laughter consistently fill the space.

“Bettering the Bond Between People and our Planet” is Louisville Zoo’s hallowed mission. Our team strives daily to inspire guests to develop lasting connections with wildlife that guides action in their own lives to support the wildlife around them. As we look to the future, we have plans to bring to life a 17.5-acre habitat featuring native species such as bison, elk, black bear, bobcat, and otters alongside lesser-known critters like the hellbender and spotted skunk. This new space will undoubtedly support wildlife conservation and encourage guest engagement in new ways.

If you don’t mind being humbled on a near daily basis, then nature is your perfect profession, because what we are still learning about wildlife far outweighs what we already know!

BEAVER - BOWIE

Native to Kentucky and featured in the upcoming Kentucky Trails exhibit celebrating the Commonwealth’s wildlife, the beaver is the second-largest rodent in the world. Best known for building dams and lodges that provide protection from predators, these remarkable engineers also have striking orange front teeth—the color comes from iron in the enamel, giving them the strength needed to cut through wood with ease.

PATRICK ARMSTRONG

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM

Patrick Armstrong has served as President & CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum for 11 years, leading with a clear belief that great organizations are built by great people. His leadership path has been shaped by a commitment to empowering talented teams and recruiting passionate professionals, trusting them with the autonomy to excel in their roles. This “museum team-first” philosophy drives every decision, ensuring that each guest experience reflects the authenticity and excitement of the Kentucky Derby.

Under Armstrong’s leadership, and in partnership with the museum’s Board of Directors, the organization has invested $12.5 million in transformative capital projects over the past five years. These enhancements have fueled record-breaking attendance—welcoming more than 255,000 visitors annually—and national recognition as a USA Today 10Best Sports Attraction for three consecutive years.

Armstrong’s impact is guided by empathy, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to both the community and the Kentucky Derby brand. He prioritizes listening, collaboration, and strategic execution, while consistently recognizing the contributions of his team. For Armstrong, success is not measured individually, but by the collective ability to preserve Derby history, inspire guests, and move the museum forward.

GRIZZLY BEAR - OTIS

Grizzly Bear “Otis” can be seen at the Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run. Otis is a wild-born bear and a rescue from Montana.

LAMONT COLLINS

ROOTS 101 AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM

I chose to open up Roots 101 African-American Museum because no one else has chosen to do the work - The work to let our children know that they’re descendants of Kings and Queens that were enslaved in America. Not slaves but ENSLAVED. The power of Roots 101 is the commitment of telling that unapologetic story. That is why I am paired with the Lion, because the Lion has power, and a voice in its community. When the Lion roars, the forest pays attention. Roots 101 gives a voice to the community, that our story matters, and our journey continues. The museum highlights the importance of our children knowing who they are and what they are. 

We were the bulldozers before bulldozers, jackhammers before jackhammers, and engineers before engineering degrees. We built this place. We built this place we call America. 

AFRICAN LIONS 

At Louisville Zoo, three African lions—male Siyanda (9) and females Amali and Sunny (both 11)—can be found near the camels in the African Outpost area, where these majestic big cats are a favorite stop for visitors exploring the zoo. 

PHILIP KOESTER

WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS 

My leadership path in Louisville came down to the simple belief that world-class experiences should exist in every community. After working with acclaimed performing arts institutions like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, I saw the same opportunity and exceptional qualities at Waterfront Botanical Gardens. As a young and growing organization, our vision is taking shape to transform a former landfill into a cultural and environmental destination that reflects Louisville’s unique identity and evolving character. 

My impact is driven by a commitment to quality, care, and intentional growth. Much like a performance, every detail in the Gardens matters and the experience stays with you long after you leave. Some of my favorite moments at the Gardens are the quiet ones: early mornings or dusk when the light shifts and you can truly connect with the space. 

Ultimately, success to me is simple: if everyone who visits the Gardens leaves with something personally meaningful, whether that’s a moment of peace, learning something new, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, then we’re doing what we set out to do. 

LINNAEUS’S TWO-TOED SLOTH 

Sebastian is this year’s featured Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth. Known for their slow, gentle movements and relaxed nature, these fascinating tree-dwellers are a favorite among guests, making them a memorable stop for visitors exploring the zoo. 

JESSICA DAWKINS

LOCUST GROVE 

I never knew I loved history until it grabbed a hold of me and never let go. I was struck by Louisville’s history most of all, imagining the many different lives our city has seen, and I couldn’t help but wonder.. what connects us to them? To find the answer, I went searching for our “Louisville History Museum” and quickly realized our city didn’t have a central location to learn our shared past. That’s when I knew I had to forge a new path and make my own mark on our city. I’ve spent the last 20 years learning and growing as a leader in order to do just that. 

I see myself as the connector between the past and the present, so I want you to learn how this unique place on an ancient river has been a catalyst for greatness throughout American history. But alongside that greatness is also the truth of humanity, which can be filled with mistakes, challenges, and failures. So the lesson that lives within is how we choose to write our own stories, based on our sense of place, belonging, identity, and community. It’s not just about how we connect with the past, but also how we connect with each other. And because Locust Grove is a Louisville Metro Park and a National Historic Landmark, I don’t want people to just feel welcome here; I want them to feel like it belongs to them. As the home of Louisville’s founder, we are the place where Louisville begins, but I want to be the place where Louisville begins for you. 

PENGUINS 

Penguin Cove, Little Penguin Conservation Center, The Paul Ogle Foundation, Inc. This Island’s exhibit will introduce you to a species of penguin that arrived at the Louisville Zoo in 2016 — little penguins! Penguin Cove allows guests the opportunity to observe the penguins’ social and natural behaviors in an expansive outdoor exhibit area that will transport you to the rocky sand-filled coasts of Australia. Waddle on over for an up-close encounter with one of the Zoo’s resident penguins and get a rare peek into how the Zoo’s team cares for the colony behind the scenes! This tour includes an exclusive opportunity to visit the Zoo’s Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center. 

MARK WOURMS

BERNHEIM ARBORETUM AND RESEARCH FOREST 

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is nature’s C.P.R! Bernheim’s talented team is driven by the vision of a world where nature is cherished, protected, and restored. I have always loved nature in all forms – plants first, then birds, and then all things that move, cute or not! Bernheim inspires me, and I hope all our guests, to make a difference in human and natural communities, leaving the planet healthier than when we inherited it. I believe working as a community with our corporate partners, employing sustainability and regenerative principles to all we do, the natural world will be healthier leading to better health in humans, our economy stronger and more resilient, and we will overcome the existential threat of climate change. 

Come see what Bernheim offers to the young and not so young alike at BloomFest on May 16th. It is a fun-filled celebration of Spring with music, crafts, art, and community for all in the beauty of Bernheim’s sustainable landscapes. Bernheim protects over 18,000 acres of land and diverse habitats and has a million things to discover! 

HYACINTH MACAW 

The Island Exhibit bird trail is open year-round and showcases a vibrant collection of avian life in a lush, immersive setting. Featuring 23 species and 46 free-flying birds, the trail offers a colorful glimpse into global biodiversity. Pictured here is Saphira, a striking hyacinth macaw, whose brilliant blue plumage is one of the exhibit’s many highlights. 

HEIDI PORTER

SPEED ART MUSEUM 

This is my second tour of duty at the Speed Art Museum; I worked here almost 30 years ago in Development and it was a magical time at the Speed. I was excited to return to this great museum two years ago, surrounded by beautiful art, brilliant colleagues and fellow lovers of the arts. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to connect people to a mission that matters. At the Speed, leadership means building relationships, inspiring generosity, and helping ensure that art remains a powerful resource for our community. What drives my impact is a strong sense of responsibility to this institution, to Louisville, and to the people who believe in the Museum’s future. 

Art is everyone’s first language and I always harken back to that statement when I talk about our path forward. Everyone is impacted by art. It is a vital part of our ecosystem and our existence. I am immensely grateful for having this cultural and community treasure in our city. 

LORIKEETS 

Enjoy a real nose-to-beak experience as you stroll through this beautiful aviary, surrounded by brilliantly colored, friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand! 

MICHELLE STAGGS

KMAC MUSEUM 

I have been committed to the voluntary sector since an early age, but it wasn’t until graduate school at the Lilly School of Philanthropy that I developed a deeper understanding of the vital role philanthropy has played in shaping the United States—and how uniquely embedded these structures are within our society. I realized then that I was motivated to contribute to the greater good, rather than pursue a path defined solely by personal financial success. 

KMAC Contemporary Art Museum has been part of my Louisville story for nearly 28 years. As a donor and volunteer, I built a lasting connection to the organization, and when the opportunity arose to join the team professionally, I embraced it wholeheartedly. Since becoming Executive Director in 2020, I have navigated significant challenges, particularly financial ones, during a time when cultural institutions face increasing uncertainty. 

We are at a critical moment in our country, and many underestimate how vulnerable these organizations are. Without sustained community support, the institutions we often take for granted may not endure. 

I believe art is essential. It shapes how we think, fosters empathy, and connects us to one another. My “why” is rooted in ensuring that art remains accessible, relevant, and enduring. Through my work at KMAC, I am committed to supporting artists, engaging audiences, and preserving a space where creativity and shared humanity can thrive for generations to come. 

JOEY YATES 

KMAC MUSEUM

As a young musician and actor, exhilarated by the sounds and beauty of life, I was inspired to further pursue the humanities and art history in college, learning more about our global culture and the motivations of our most impactful writers, thinkers, innovators, and creators. The role of the curator allowed me to bring these experiences and ideas into a path of participation and leadership. As a dedicated museum professional for nearly 15 years, I have led our organization and city in introducing new artists and new ideas into the discourse of contemporary art. Through exhibitions that aim to reach a growing diversity of audiences, I remain committed to presenting the most accomplished art of or time. As the Curatorial Director at KMAC, I feel strongly that encounters with art museums can bring people together, even those with the greatest differences, into a mutually empathetic exploration of the human condition. 

GIRAFFE 

Found in the Africa zone at the Louisville Zoo, Male giraffes grow to be 15 – 18 feet tall and weigh 1,200 – 1,800 pounds. They also have a massive heart (approximately two feet long and 25 pounds in adults) and extremely high blood pressure, which is necessary to force blood up the seven or eight-foot path to the brain. Scan QR Code to Learn more about feedings. 

ANTHONY KRUTZKAMP

LOUISVILLE BALLET 

I chose to come to Louisville Ballet because I believe deeply in what this company can become—not just regionally, but nationally and internationally. Louisville is a city with a rich cultural history and an appetite for growth, and I see an opportunity to build something here that is both rooted in tradition and boldly future-facing. 

Ballet, as an art form, must continue to evolve. It thrives when it honors its classical foundations while embracing innovation—new voices, new choreographic perspectives, and new ways of engaging audiences. My vision is to cultivate a company that reflects the world we live in now: dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking. That means investing in artists who are not only technically exceptional, but also curious, collaborative, and unafraid to push boundaries. 

LESLIE SMART

LOUISVILLE BALLET 

Serving as a nonprofit leader inspires me each day because it allows me to connect purpose with impact. As CEO of Louisville Ballet, I have the privilege of advancing an art form that elevates the human spirit, strengthens community, and creates opportunities for artists to thrive. 

This work is deeply personal. Louisville Ballet is not just an organization I lead—it is part of my family’s story, having shaped our upbringing and enriched our lives, with nine members of my family either dancing or serving in volunteer roles over the years. 

That legacy grounds me and reminds me that our mission extends far beyond the stage. It is about access, education, and ensuring that future generations experience the transformative power of dance. Dance also plays a vital role in supporting health and well-being, strengthening the body, reducing stress, and fostering emotional resilience. 

Louisville Ballet has always been—and will always remain—a part of my life. That deep sense of connection and responsibility is what drives my passion and commitment each day. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

Louisville Zoo is currently offering a backstage pass to meet the Seals & Sea Lions. 

MIKE NORMAN

KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER 

Mike Norman’s leadership journey in Louisville has always been rooted in service, learning, and community impact. A native Louisvillian and proud graduate of Jefferson County Public Schools, Mike has dedicated his career to building stronger institutions that serve people and help them grow. Since joining Kentucky Science Center in 2011 and becoming President & CEO in 2020, he has focused on expanding access to science education and creating opportunities that inspire curiosity in learners of all ages. 

What drives Mike’s work is the belief that science literacy and hands-on learning can transform lives and strengthen communities. Under his leadership, Kentucky Science Center now reaches every county in Kentucky and nearly every county in Indiana, helping nurture the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. He is especially passionate about ensuring that young people and families across the region see themselves reflected in STEAM careers and lifelong learning. 

For Mike, leadership in Louisville means investing in the city’s future, supporting its families, and helping spark the kind of wonder that turns today’s questions into tomorrow’s discoveries. 

TEGU: CHICQUITA 

An omnivorous lizard native to South America, can be seen at the MetaZoo. Known for their intelligence and curious nature, tegus are adaptable reptiles with powerful limbs, sharp claws, and a surprisingly calm demeanor.