Cheryl Tracy
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | National Aviary
Cheryl Tracy, executive director at the National Aviary, says although her skill set turned out to be in finance and business, she’s found the work that blends that experience with her passion for animals.
Ms. Tracy, 54, of South Park first came to the Aviary 12 years ago as chief financial officer after working for 25 years in the business world. “It was the job of a lifetime,” she says. Then five years ago, she took on the top position at the nonprofit, with different responsibilities.
“My love of animals probably came from my dad,” she says. “We had stray dogs we rescued … we went to zoos, went on hikes in nature. I remember that was my most favorite place to be, with my dad and with animals.
“We have to keep the decisions we make in line with our business goals,” she says. And they must line up with the Aviary’s mission to inspire an appreciation of nature and an appreciation of birds.
“My younger self would be very happy and very proud,” she says. Would she tell her younger self to do anything differently?
“I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience prepares you for the next one.”
Standing in the Aviary’s Grasslands exhibit, where smaller birds sing and swoop past, Ms. Tracy says, “It’s hard to have a bad day at the National Aviary. Grasslands is one of my favorites, it’s serene, calming, peaceful.”
The Wetlands habitat probably has more activity and sounds, and the Tropical Forest habitat is more immersive, with tropical plants and its growing variety of colorful birds flying freely and perching near the new waterfall.
The Aviary has more than 500 birds of more than 150 unique species from around the world. “Because of the movement, the variety in shapes and sizes and colors, people really do connect,” she says. “People are enamored with birds.”
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes as well, Ms. Tracy says. In addition to the exhibits and educational programs, conservation activities include breeding programs for threatened species, such as the Guam rails and African penguins.
“Everyone who works at the Aviary is passionate about their work. It’s a great thing.” United by their common passion for birds and the environment, they’re encouraged to work collaboratively.
One of the challenges at the Aviary is its growth over the past five years, doubling in size.
“It is important to keep everyone motivated,” she says. “The resources are behind the demand and the growth has been so significant . ... We have to make every penny count.”