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BW
MBA
graduate
Alan
Sironen
'86
faces
unconventional
business
challenges
in
his
changing
workplace
every
day
such
as
how
to
transport
a
giraffe
or
what
type
of
environment
is
most
suitable
for
an
elephant.
Sironen, the owner of Zoo Consultants International, brings a dedicated passion for wildlife and over 35 years of experience in the zookeeping field to his worldwide business.
Proving
that
a
business
degree
is
versatile,
Sironen's
consulting
work
incorporates
BW
MBA
concepts
every
day
as
he
confronts
land
use,
master
planning,
exhibit
design,
review
and
critique
of
blueprints,
construction
and
shop
drawings
for
owners
and
architects,
and
animal
transportation.
Sironen said, "The international focus of my MBA program [at Baldwin Wallace] highlighted the critical importance of researching and being sensitive to cultural differences and their impact in international business. One of Zoo Consultants International LLC's guiding principles is respecting the culture, communities and local environments that we work in."
In
three-and-a-half
decades
with
the
Cleveland
Metroparks
Zoo,
Sironen
served
as
zookeeper,
head
zookeeper,
assistant
general
curator,
curator
of
mammals,
curator
of
mammalogy,
and
curator
of
large
mammals
and
carnivores.
"The MBA from Baldwin Wallace was very important in my job as curator of mammals at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo," he explained. "The project management course prepared me for construction projects at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and still helps me today when assisting zoos and safari parks in their construction and renovation projects."
Sironen serves on the board of Global Conservation Connection and is a member of the Zoological Association of America and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Considered a leading expert in his field, Sironen recently partnered with USA Today to judge nominees for their 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards in Best Zoo, Best Zoo Exhibit, Best Safari Park and Best Aquarium.
