top of page
TMc Headshot 1 - 02.2026.png

Professional Profile

I am an impactful leader with 18+ years of progressive leadership across various industries and specializations, including education, revenue operations, engagement systems, and inclusive culture strategy within mission-driven institutions. I currently serve in dual capacity as the Director of Learning & Engagement at Birmingham Zoo and the Founder & CEO of R.I.S.E. Leadership, bridging institutional leadership with entrepreneurial advisory and executive coaching practice. I am also a national faculty member and industry speaker for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, recognized for advancing leadership development, IDEA systems integration, and organizational culture transformation.

ChatGPT Image Feb 15, 2026, 09_36_26 PM_edited.jpg

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Leadership

  • Organizational Strategy & Culture Development

  • Inclusive Culture & IDEA Systems Integration

  • Learning Systems Architecture

  • Leadership Pipeline & Talent Development

Executive Influence & Industry Engagment

  • Executive Coaching & Advisory Services

  • Public Speaking & Industry Facilitation

  • Assessment Interpretation (DISC, 360)

  • Board & Committee Leadership

Operational & Financial Leadership

  • Multi-Program Budget Oversight (~$575K annual operating budget)

  • Revenue-Aligned Program Design

  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership (4 managers; 12-person departmental team)

  • Performance Systems & Accountability Structures​​

Birmingham Zoo
Director of Learning & Engagement | 2024 - Present

  • Provide strategic oversight for institutional learning systems, volunteer engagement infrastructure, and IDEA strategy integration within a public-serving institution exceeding 500,000 annual visitors.

  • Lead revenue-generating and mission-aligned educational initiatives serving 5,000+ participants annually across on-site and community-based programs.

  • Direct ~$575K annual departmental budget with responsibility for forecasting, expense management, and alignment with institutional revenue and expense targets.

  • Lead four direct-report managers overseeing a 12-person departmental team across education, interpretation, volunteer management, and inclusion functions.

  • Serve as strategic partner to executive leadership in strengthening institutional culture, engagement systems, and professional development architecture.

  •  Advance institutional inclusion strategy through committee leadership, training design, and policy influence.


Promoted through four progressive leadership roles reflecting expanded scope across revenue operations, member engagement, and institutional inclusion strategy.
​​

  • Staff Learning & Inclusion Manager (2023–2024)

  • Guest Services Programs Manager (2021–2023)

  • Membership & Group Sales Manager (2018–2021)

  • Membership & Group Sales Supervisor (2016–2018)

Senior Leadership Experience

Entrepreneurial & Consulting Leadership

R.I.S.E. Leadership
Founder & CEO | 2025 - Present

  • Lead executive coaching and leadership mentoring engagements serving leaders across nonprofit, conservation, and corporate sectors.

  • Design and facilitate customized leadership development programs and individualized growth strategies for emerging and advancing leaders.

  •  Advise organizations on leadership infrastructure, culture strategy, and capacity development.

  • Advise organizations on digital presence strategy, designing and launching mission-aligned websites that strengthen visibility, credibility, and stakeholder engagement.

Leadby
Strategic Advisor, Leadership Development | 2024 - Present

  • Design and deliver leadership development programming for the Aspiring Leaders Network.

  • Deliver executive coaching informed by DISC and 360 assessment data to support participant growth and performance within contracted programs.

  • Collaborate with program leadership to align curriculum, coaching, and assessment strategy with contracted organizational objectives.

Industry Teaching & Faculty Roles

Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
Instructor | 2024 - Present

  • Facilitate week-long leadership programs serving professionals from AZA-accredited institutions worldwide.

  • Develop and refine curriculum aligned with evolving leadership best practices and participant feedback. 

  • Facilitate interpretation and application of DISC and 360 assessments within cohort-based leadership development program.

  • Guide participant capstone project development and implementation planning.

Board & Professional Service

  • Board of Directors  |  Minorities in Aquarium & Zoo Science (MIAZS)  |  2025–Present

  • Chair, Professional Development Committee  |  Minorities in Aquarium & Zoo Science (MIAZS)  |  2025–Present  

  • Member, Diversity Committee  |  Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)  |  2024–Present

  • Chair, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility Committee  | Birmingham Zoo  | 2024–Present

ChatGPT Image Feb 15, 2026, 09_36_26 PM_edited.jpg

Certifications & Professional Development

  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation – Anticipated 2026

  • Certified Executive Coach, Symbiosis Coaching, 2025

  • Certified Diversity Professional, National Diversity Council, 2023

  • DEI in the Workplace, University of South Florida, 2022

  • MPACT Manager Training, Personnel Board of Jefferson County, 2021

  • Employee Engagement, Disney Institute, 2021

  • Quality Service, Disney Institute, 2021

2026

  • AZA Conservation Education Committee Regional Conference, Moderator

  • AZA Mid-Year Conference, Diversity Summit Planning Lead & Facilitator

  • AZA Annual Conference, Moderator

  • AZA Annual Conference, Panelist & Moderator

  • Canopy Strategic Partners Community Conversations, Panelist

Selected Speaking & Industry Leadership

2025   

2024   

2023   

2022   

bottom of page