ZAA Government Affairs: Building on a Strong Foundation

Government affairs and advocacy play an important role in protecting the future of zoological facilities. Over the past several years, the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) has strengthened its presence in government affairs, built important relationships with policymakers, and worked to ensure the voices of its members are represented at the state and federal levels.

In October 2022, Tom Albert joined ZAA as its Government Affairs Consultant. Since then, he has helped establish a strong foundation for ZAA's government affairs efforts and increase the organization's visibility and credibility with legislators and regulators.

From advocating against legislation and policies that could negatively impact ZAA members to building relationships with policymakers, Tom has helped advance ZAA's government affairs efforts and strengthen the organization's voice in Washington, D.C.

As ZAA moves into its next chapter of government affairs work, we are pleased to welcome Bill Hanka as ZAA’s Government Affairs Consultant and continue our work with Vanessa Gagne, ZAA’s Government Affairs Team Member.

Bill will lead ZAA’s federal government affairs efforts, while Vanessa will continue advising ZAA on state and local government affairs. Together, they will build on the foundation established over the past several years and strengthen ZAA’s advocacy efforts at every level of government.

We are excited to welcome Bill to the ZAA team and look forward to the experience and perspective he will bring to this work. We are equally grateful to have Vanessa continuing her work with ZAA, helping provide continuity and keeping members informed as government affairs issues develop across the country.

For a closer look at ZAA’s government affairs work, please read the summary of the first half of 2026 accomplishments.

A Look Back with Tom Albert

Tom's path to government affairs began with his interest in legislation and the governmental process. After graduating from law school, he joined an Alaska-based law firm that specialized in wildlife, public lands, and natural resources issues, while also representing clients on Capitol Hill. He later moved into an in-house government affairs position with the company that owned Ringling Bros. Circus, where he first connected with ZAA and many of the zoo professionals who remain part of the organization today.

Looking back on his time with ZAA, Tom said he is most proud of the progress made toward two primary objectives: stopping legislation and policies that could be harmful to ZAA and its members, and raising ZAA's profile among legislators and regulators. “I think we have done that,” Tom said.

He also emphasized that effective advocacy is not simply about financial resources. “I think a lot of people think that it is all about spending money, but it really is about building relationships and credibility,” he said.

That philosophy has been central to ZAA's approach to government affairs and is something Tom encourages members to embrace themselves. “Everyone should proactively be trying to build awareness among and relationships with government policymakers on every level,” he said.

Tom also shared his appreciation for the ZAA community and the opportunity to work alongside professionals who are deeply committed to their organizations and the animals in their care. “I have really enjoyed my time working with ZAA and getting to know so many people who are very serious about what they do,” Tom said. “I continue to be impressed at how much ZAA has grown since I first interacted with it years ago and look forward to watching it continue to do so.”

ZAA is grateful to Tom for his years of service, mentorship, advocacy, and dedication to advancing the interests of our members. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Passing the Torch

Bill and Vanessa bring complementary experience and expertise to ZAA’s government affairs efforts. Together, they will help ZAA monitor legislative and regulatory developments, build relationships with policymakers, advocate on issues affecting zoological facilities, and keep members informed about developments that could impact their work.

Bill will serve as ZAA's federal government affairs consultant, advising and lobbying on behalf of ZAA on federal legislative and regulatory issues that affect our members and the zoological community. His work will focus on strengthening ZAA’s presence at the federal level and continuing to build the relationships and credibility that have been central to ZAA’s government affairs strategy.

Vanessa will continue advising ZAA on state-level and local government affairs, while also helping keep members informed through government affairs communications, updates, and reports. Vanessa will also be helping ZAA with authoring letters and comments as we move forward.

With Bill focused on federal affairs and Vanessa continuing to lead state and local efforts, their complementary roles will provide ZAA with a coordinated approach across multiple levels of government. Together, they will help ZAA remain engaged on issues affecting its members, respond to emerging legislation and regulations, and ensure that the perspective of zoological facilities is represented.

Looking Ahead

Government affairs is ultimately about making sure policymakers understand who we are, what our members do, and why the work of zoological facilities matters. As ZAA continues to grow, our advocacy efforts will grow with it.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for Tom's outstanding dedication and leadership in driving ZAA to the next level of legislation. His tireless efforts have profoundly impacted our organization, and we are genuinely thankful for his unwavering commitment to our mission. It has been a true pleasure to work closely with Tom and to learn from his wealth of experience.

I am also excited to welcome Bill and Vanessa to our team. Their complementary skills and expertise will be invaluable as they engage more closely with stakeholders in Washington, D.C. Together, they will ensure that our members are well-informed about critical legislative issues that affect our community.

Thank you once again, Tom, for your steadfast support and guidance. Your contributions are immensely appreciated.

- Betsey Brewer Bethel, Chair, ZAA Board of Directors

We look forward to this next chapter and to continuing to advocate for ZAA, for our members, and for the future of zoological facilities.