Meet the Team
Molly Gezella-Baranczyk, Executive Director
Molly has 25 years of diverse professional experience with nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal health. Prior to joining AAZV, she had been with the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association where she served as Executive Director. During her tenure, she increased membership and member services, modernized and improved operational efficiencies, and stewarded a cultural shift to enhance support and engagement of the organization’s mission. Earlier in her career, Molly cared for animals directly at zoos like the Minnesota Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo. Her love of animals and passion for wildlife protection have been a driving force throughout her career. Molly holds her Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and her Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Ginger Sturgeon, Program Director
AAZV has appointed Dr. Ginger Sturgeon to the task of advocating on our behalf for resources that will advance the Association and our mission. Dr. Sturgeon is a tenured zoo veterinarian and non-profit leader dedicated to advancing wild animal health by empowering zoo veterinarians across the globe. She joined the staff of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians in the fall of 2024 as the Program Director where she is responsible for the planning, development and execution of conference and membership programs. Before joining the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians as staff, Dr. Sturgeon has been an active member of the AAZV organization for the past 20 years. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee, completed an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery from Purdue University, and a residency in Zoological Medicine and Surgery from the University of Missouri in conjunction with the Kansas City Zoo. Dr. Sturgeon led the Department of Animal Health at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in Pennsylvania for over a decade and aids in transporting exotic animals across the North American continent for AZA facilities. Ginger enjoys introducing her young family to all the wonders of nature and currently loves kayaking, camping, and exploring southern Florida.
Alexandra Reddy, Development & Communications Manager
Alex brings experience at the crossroads of animal care, conservation, and nonprofit leadership. Her career evolved from zoos, where she worked with great apes and other animals, and evolved into development and communications roles with global wildlife organizations. Alex completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon and a Master of Science in Biological Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and lives in Virginia.