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Brad F. Andrews - President & Executive Director
Chief Zoological Officer SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Brad Andrews, Chief Zoological Officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, is responsible for all SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks' animal programs, including husbandry, breeding, training, beached animal rescue programs, education and transportation and acquisition procedures. Andrews began his SeaWorld career in 1987 as Associate Curator for SeaWorld of California. He started working with marine mammals in 1972 at Marineland of the Pacific, later becoming General Curator at that marine life park. During his 15-year tenure there, he showed remarkable abilities for animal care and personnel leadership. He holds a biology/chemistry degree from St. Mary's College in Moraga, California. Andrews is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Past-president of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, Past-president of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, a member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the International Wild Waterfowl Association, and the Society of Marine Mammalogists.
Howard Demsky - Secretary
Vice President, Planning and Development SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Howard J. Demsky is V.P., Planning and Development, in SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment's Orlando headquarters. Demsky joined SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SEA) in February 2008 as the company's Executive V.P., Planning and Development. Planning and Finance were consolidated under Demsky's leadership in October 2008. Demsky joined SEA after a successful career in financial planning and analysis with Anheuser-Busch. He joined the company in 1988 as a member of the Executive Development Program. Demsky moved through progressively more responsible positions in planning across several A-B business units, eventually reaching Group Director, Business Planning and Analysis, a position he held until joining SEA in 2008. Demsky served on the team that acquired SeaWorld and other entertainment properties from Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in the late 1980s and provided counsel on pricing and revenue management for the entertainment division for several years before joining SEA. Demsky, 42, is a native of Miami, Fla. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor of science degree in systems science and engineering. He went on to earn an M.B.A. from the Olin Business School at Washington University. Demsky and his wife live in Orlando with their two daughters.
Marc Swanson - Treasurer
Chief Accounting Officer SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Marc Swanson has been SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment's Chief Accounting Officer since 2012. Prior to that, he has been Vice President Performance Management and Corporate Controller of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. from 2011 to 2012, the Corporate Controller of Busch Entertainment Corporation from 2008 to 2011 and the Vice President of Finance of Sesame Place from 2004 to 2008. Mr. Swanson holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Purdue University and a master's degree in business administration from DePaul University.
Virginia M. Busch - Board Member
Virginia Busch grew up in St. Louis Missouri. As part of the Busch family she has always had a connection to wildlife and animals through the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks. For eight years she served as Conservation Ambassador for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens as well as President of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. In her role, she assisted in the planning and execution of the parks' expanding conservation programs, including development and oversight of partnerships to support collaborative research projects. She also served as media spokesperson for environmental efforts at the parks. In addition to her conservation roles with the Fund and Anheuser-Busch, Virginia contributes to conservation and animal welfare at home and abroad as a National Council Member for World Wildlife Fund, a board member for Fauna & Flora International, the Humane Society of Missouri, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and serves on several committees for the Saint Louis Zoo. Most recently, Virginia was named a committee member for the National Geographic Society Council of Advisors, a group of industry leaders and influential community members charged with forging connections and building relationships that will result in increased philanthropic support for and awareness of the activities of the National Geographic Society. Virginia earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology with an emphasis in animal behavior from Washington University in St. Louis.
David Grabe - Board Member
VP of Finance and Control for Anheuser-Busch Inc. Anheuser-Busch Companies David Grabe has held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility at Anheuser-Busch InBev. Dave's two latest positions were: VP of Finance and Control for Anheuser-Busch Inc.- Responsible for A-B Corporate and consolidations, beer and international reporting, budgeting and monthly estimates. VP Finance Busch Entertainment Corporation - Dave worked for Busch Entertainment Corporation for five years leading the company's internal reporting, budgeting and control. David holds an MBA from St. Louis University and is a CPA in the state of Missouri. He also holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.
James D. Atchison - Board Member
President and Chief Executive Officer SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Jim Atchison is president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a leading family entertainment company with 10 theme parks across the U.S. SeaWorlds in Orlando, Fla., San Diego, Calif., and San Antonio, Texas.; Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando, Fla.; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa, Fla. and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires 23 million guests each year to celebrate, connect and care for the natural world. The company, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., employs 20,000 people nationwide. Atchison, 45, was named head of Anheuser-Busch's theme park division, Busch Entertainment Corporation, in 2007. Since then he has led the company through the most dynamic growth period in its history. After the 2009 sale of Busch Entertainment to The Blackstone Group, the company was renamed SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Atchison then announced a long-term strategic vision for the company that includes significant capital investment in the company's 10 U.S. theme parks, international expansion, and the launch of new entertainment enterprises. Prior to assuming his current position, Atchison led the company's most profitable trio of parks in Orlando, Fla., which achieved record revenue and profit during his tenure. He has earned a reputation as one of the industry's best leaders, combining financial acumen with a commitment to quality guest service, attraction development, employee relations, safety, conservation and animal welfare. Atchison began his theme park career as a teen in 1985, parking cars and welcoming guests at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla. He rapidly progressed through leadership positions in six of the company's 10 parks with roles in park operations, finance, business analysis and marketing. He holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of South Florida (USF). Atchison is a leader in national tourism as well as the Central Florida community he calls home. In 2009 Atchison was appointed by Florida's governor to serve on the Board of Trustees for UCF. He has served in leadership roles with the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the UCF College of Business - Dean's Executive Council. He is a member of the U.S. Travel Association's Travel CEO Round Table and has served two terms on the Florida Commission on Tourism, the agency that oversees Florida's tourism promotion. An advocate of community service, Atchison has contributed his time and talents to Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Clubs and United Arts. Personifying the mission of the company he leads, Atchison's passion for celebrating and caring for the natural world is evident in his leisure pursuits, which focus on kayaking, hiking, sailing and environmental conservation. That passion has benefited conservation groups around the world, including the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy. A former soccer standout from USF, Atchison and his wife Elli have two sons and a daughter.
Jack Hanna - Board Member
Director Emeritus Columbus Zoo Jack Hanna is one of America's most-beloved naturalists and adventurers, hosting the hit TV series Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. Jack has enjoyed a longtime association with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, which includes exclusive national sponsorship of his television show and several personal appearances a year at the parks. In addition to reaching millions of viewers each week with his TV show, Jack is a regular guest on Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman and Larry King Live, plus countless other national appearances. He first gained national attention as director of the Columbus Zoo, which he transformed from a rundown facility into one of America's top zoos. In his efforts to highlight the Zoo's activities, Jack took the airwaves and quickly became known as an entertaining and knowledgeable guest, eventually leading to his own TV program. His appearances on behalf of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove include special animal shows for guests and grand-opening events for new animal attractions. He also serves as spokesman for the parks' Adventure Camps, encouraging children to spend a week gaining hands-on knowledge about the care and training of animals at the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks.
Julie Scardina - Board Member
Director, Animal Ambassador Program SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Julie Scardina is Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. Julie makes more than 100 media appearances a year, highlighting the parks' commitment to animal education and conservation as well as entertainment. A longtime marine-mammal trainer at SeaWorld San Diego, Julie began her media work as a part-time sideline to her training career, and today serves as the full-time Animal Ambassador and Corporate Curator. Julie's role for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove includes personal appearances, speaking engagements with organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and even frequent online chat sessions with students and animal lovers. Several times a year, she hosts special animal shows on behalf of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, featuring many of the animals who have starred with her on television. Julie travels to remote areas of the world, including Africa, Norway, Alaska and Australia to learn firsthand about conservation issues. In addition, she works with environmental partners of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to raise awareness about conservation issues and encourage people to take part in local conservation efforts. Julie is a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and contributes a weekly "Animal Wise" segment on Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. She appeared regularly for six years on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and has made numerous appearances on other national TV programs. Julie holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in biology from San Diego State University. She is a former president and long time board member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. She is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, International Association of Avian Trainers & Educators and many conservation organizations. Julie lives at home in San Diego with her husband Don, dog Liberty and birds Brisbane and Stevie.
Hugh Share - Board Member
Director, Environmental and Sustainability Anheuser-Busch Companies Hugh Share serves as Director of Environmental and Sustainability for Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing all company Environmental and Sustainability communications and cause-marketing campaigns. He collaborates with Environmental and Sustainability professionals from throughout the company, sales and marketing personnel, wholesalers, retailers, and environmental/conservation partner organizations. Share provides strategic planning development for expanding environmental programs, including oversight of collaborative brand partnerships. Mr. Share joined Anheuser-Busch in 1982 as a lab technician at the Baldwinsville, NY Brewery. He progressively took on positions of higher responsibility, including leading local efforts to reduce waste and natural resource use. He moved to St. Louis in 1993 as the Manager of Strategic Environmental initiatives for Corporate Environmental Affairs. In this role, Share led many of the company's environmental integration efforts, including: supplier environmental programs, capital project environmental review, environmental reporting, and employee awareness programs. He has worked with most corporate departments and facilities. Share was raised in Syracuse, New York and holds a master's degree in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Glenn Young - Board Member
Vice President, Zoological Operations Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Glenn Young is Vice President of Zoological Operations for Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay. At the 350-acre theme park, which is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Young oversees the vast collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. He is responsible for the operation and function of all zoological divisions including the Education Department. Young began his career as an animal care specialist in 1973 at SeaWorld of Florida in Orlando. In 1980, he advanced to Supervisor of Animal Care and was appointed as Assistant Curator of Mammals and Birds a year later. He moved to Texas in 1988 and was named Vice President and General Curator at SeaWorld of Texas. In this position, Young assisted in the design of the park's state-of-the-art facilities for marine mammals, and he personally supervised the transportation of all animals from sister parks to the Texas facility. In 1998 he assumed his current position in Tampa. Young is a professional fellow in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as numerous other organizations dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. He received his B.S. in Zoology from the University of Central Florida.
Sheila Sullivan Voss
Vice President, Education Missouri Botanical Garden Sheila Sullivan Voss is the corporate director of environmental and educational programs for Busch Entertainment Corporation. On behalf of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove, she currently works with such partners as the National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund to launch national awareness campaigns, develop cause-related marketing programs, and support conservation education in the BEC parks and communities worldwide. Sheila also serves as the Executive Producer of Shamu TV - an Emmy-awarding winning childrens' wildlife video series - and oversees the SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Awards program, which grants $100,000 a year to schools nationwide working to protect and preserve their hometown environment. Sheila began her career in communications at McGraw-Hill in Washington, D.C. where she completed graduate classes in Alternative Environmental Planning, Environmental Law, and Conservation Biology Ethics. In 1994, she became the senior Science Writer for the SeaWorld Orlando education department. She holds a B.A. in English from the Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Environmental Policy and Public Administration from Southern Illinois University.
Heather Meier -
Project Coordinator, Zoological Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks Heather Meier serves as a project coordinator in Zoological Operations for Busch Entertainment Corporation, the parent company of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. Working previously for Anheuser-Busch’s St. Louis brewery, Heather is currently responsible for the daily operations of the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. She works closely with conservation partners to process and administer grants awarded by the Fund, and ensures all rules and regulations are adhered to as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Heather also helps plan and coordinate fundraising events, assists with donor development, and works closely with the parks to increase awareness of the Fund’s mission and messages. She also supports the parks’ program animal teams, which make numerous appearances at national and local events throughout the year. Heather holds an MBA from Southern Illinois University and a BS in Marketing from Eastern Illinois University.
Joseph Couceiro - Board Member
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Busch Entertainment Corporation Joe Couceiro is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the family entertainment and theme park division of Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. Couceiro is responsible for all aspects of global sales, marketing, brand management, communications, consumer strategy, lifestyle and digital marketing for BEC’s Worlds of Discovery, including: SeaWorld parks in Orlando, FL., San Diego, CA. and San Antonio, TX., Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, FL. and Williamsburg, VA., their adjoining water parks, Aquatica, Water Country USA, and Adventure Island, as well as Discovery Cove in Orlando and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Couceiro is based out of the company's global corporate headquarters in Orlando. Couceiro serves on BEC’s Board of Directors, and reports directly to BEC’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to assuming his current role in August 2006, Couceiro was the Vice President of Marketing for BEC’s five Florida parks. Couceiro began his career with the company in 1981 as a Sales Representative by opening the Miami sales office for SeaWorld of Florida. Since then, Couceiro has held a variety of positions with increasing responsibilities, including SeaWorld of Florida Manager of International Sales, SeaWorld of Texas Director of Sales, SeaWorld of Florida Director of Sales and Promotions, BEC National Sales Director, BEC Senior Group Director of Sales, Promotions and Partnerships, and Vice President of Marketing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Couceiro is on the Board of Directors for Travel Industry Association of America, as well as the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Dr. Judy St. Leger - Board Member
Senior Veterinarian SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Dr. Judy St. Leger is the Corporate Veterinarian for Pathology and Research for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. She is in sunny San Diego, California. Her position involves diagnostic investigations and assay development for the health concerns of the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens collections along with wildlife from California, Texas, Florida, and international sites. Dr. St. Leger works with federal agencies and independent biologists from a variety of non-governmental organizations to investigate causes of wildlife mortality and environmental concerns. She is also responsible for promoting and overseeing research initiatives related to the animal collections and education programs at the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks. Dr. St. Leger's research and conservation efforts have taken her across the globe. She has investigated the natural history of toucans in Peru, diving physiology of Penguins in Antarctica, baleen whale mortalities in Australia and Mexico, and assisted in rehabilitation efforts with pangolins (scaly anteaters) in Vietnam. Her student training program has included veterinary and undergraduate students from Sweden, the Netherlands, and many colleges across the USA. Judy joined the SeaWorld team in San Diego in 1999 and became director of pathology in 2003. She is one of the partners that established a marine mammal virus investigation laboratory in conjunction with the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. She is an active lecturer and board member of the CL Davis Foundation for Veterinary Pathology. Dr. St. Leger lives in San Diego with her husband Marc. She is originally from New York State and is a proud graduate of Cobleskill College and Cornell University. She's a strong supporter of local involvement and long-term thinking. She is committed to advancing marine conservation and protection of coral reefs.
Sheila Voss - Board Member
Vice President, Education Missouri Botanical Garden
Gilbert Acosta - Assistant Treasurer
Director, Compliance and Special Projects SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Marc G. Swanson - Assistant Treasurer
Controller SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
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Who We Are
Board of Directors
