Daniel Ashe is president and chief executive officer of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is an organization of more than 250 aquariums, zoos and science centers and more than 7,000 individual members across 13 nations. It is the world’s largest, most prestigious zoological accrediting and professional organization.

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A lifelong wildlife conservationist, Ashe joined AZA in January 2017, after serving for 22 years in career executive positions within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including assistant director for external affairs, chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System, science advisor to the director and deputy director. President Barack Obama nominated Ashe to be the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and in June 2011, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, serving for nearly six years and leading the agency during a period of extraordinary challenge and opportunity.

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Prior to joining the Service, Ashe served for 13 years on the career staff of the former Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the U.S. House of Representatives. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from Florida State University and a graduate degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington.