Elaine Bensted - ZAA President

Chief Executive, Zoos South Australia

Elaine Bensted has been the Chief Executive of Zoos South Australia since September 2012.

Before starting at Zoos South Australia, Elaine held the position of Chief Executive of South Australia’s largest vocational education and training provider, TAFE SA. Elaine’s qualifications include an MBA and a Masters in Public Policy and Management as well as qualifications in finance. She has experience in both the private and public sector in management, marketing and community engagement.

Elaine is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Membership and Ethics Committee and sits on the writing committee for the WAZA Sustainability Strategy.

Elaine was elected as Vice-President of ZAA in December 2018 and also chairs the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. In her role on the ZAA Board, Elaine aims to strengthen our relationships and representation of members and ensure the association is helping improve the profile and standing of our industry.

Elaine is a life-long animal lover (horses, dogs and wombats in particular). As a parent and an animal lover, she hopes to inspire a love of all creatures in future generations.