Tom LaRock

Chief Exploration Officer

As the former Executive Director of the Friends of the National Zoo, Tom’s commitment to conservation comes from his life-long passion for wildlife and the challenges faced by those dedicated to preserving and restoring our natural world. As the CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) of Safari Professionals, he continues to develop and maintain our partnerships with successful wildlife conservation teams throughout the world.

Safari travel and conservation are intertwined, with safari tourism playing a significant role in supporting the protection of wildlife and their habitats. By generating revenue, fostering awareness, and actively participating in conservation efforts, safari travel can contribute to the preservation of Earth’s biodiversity.

To help potential travelers identify their personal priorities, Safari Professionals relies on Tom’s extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations to help travelers craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds their expectations, while staying focused on sustainable and responsible travel.

“My fascination with Africa began in elementary school when East Africa was the subject of geography class. I still remember those first photographic images of abundant African wildlife and colorfully dressed people. Visits to a small, nearby zoo focused my interests on the animals of these far-away lands, especially lions and elephants. I still have the same reaction to a male lion’s roar that I had as a child – the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“My career eventually led me to a city with a great zoo where I became a volunteer fund-raiser. I got involved and, in time, I changed careers to become the zoo’s marketing and fund-raising director. Starting a travel program for the zoo, I developed the first African safari to Kenya in 1983 and have enjoyed helping others experience the wonders of the world’s wildlife ever since.

“In addition to African wildlife conservation safaris, my experience includes designing and conducting safaris in the Galapagos Islands, the Ecuadorian Amazon, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela and Australia. As fascinating as these places are, I’m always drawn back to Africa with its unique wildlife and engaging people.

“In my view, Africa is the best place in the world for wildlife photography. Having worked and traveled with professional wildlife photographers, I love helping people bring home that “perfect shot” – whether they are experienced photographers or simply want a great record of their adventures.

“After helping potential travelers identify their personal priorities, my extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations enables me to help them craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds their needs and expectations, while helping. I’m grateful that several of our travelers have chosen me as their personal safari guide, giving me the opportunity to share in what many say is a truly life-changing experience.”

Tom LaRock

Chief Exploration Officer

As the former Executive Director of the Friends of the National Zoo, Tom’s commitment to conservation comes from his life-long passion for wildlife and the challenges faced by those dedicated to preserving and restoring our natural world. As the CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) of Safari Professionals, he continues to develop and maintain our partnerships with successful wildlife conservation teams throughout the world.

Safari travel and conservation are intertwined, with safari tourism playing a significant role in supporting the protection of wildlife and their habitats. By generating revenue, fostering awareness, and actively participating in conservation efforts, safari travel can contribute to the preservation of Earth’s biodiversity.

To help potential travelers identify their personal priorities, Safari Professionals relies on Tom’s extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations to help travelers craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds their expectations, while staying focused on sustainable and responsible travel.

“My fascination with Africa began in elementary school when East Africa was the subject of geography class. I still remember those first photographic images of abundant African wildlife and colorfully dressed people. Visits to a small, nearby zoo focused my interests on the animals of these far-away lands, especially lions and elephants. I still have the same reaction to a male lion’s roar that I had as a child – the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“My career eventually led me to a city with a great zoo where I became a volunteer fund-raiser. I got involved and, in time, I changed careers to become the zoo’s marketing and fund-raising director. Starting a travel program for the zoo, I developed the first African safari to Kenya in 1983 and have enjoyed helping others experience the wonders of the world’s wildlife ever since.

“In addition to African wildlife conservation safaris, my experience includes designing and conducting safaris in the Galapagos Islands, the Ecuadorian Amazon, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela and Australia. As fascinating as these places are, I’m always drawn back to Africa with its unique wildlife and engaging people.

“In my view, Africa is the best place in the world for wildlife photography. Having worked and traveled with professional wildlife photographers, I love helping people bring home that “perfect shot” – whether they are experienced photographers or simply want a great record of their adventures.

“After helping potential travelers identify their personal priorities, my extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations enables me to help them craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds their needs and expectations, while helping. I’m grateful that several of our travelers have chosen me as their personal safari guide, giving me the opportunity to share in what many say is a truly life-changing experience.”

Sam Kanakanui

Chief Opportunities Officer

Joining the Safari Professionals team in 2019, Sam brings over 30 years of business acumen including knowledge in IT, marketing, and operations to the Safari Professionals family. Born in Hawaii, raised in the mountains of West Virginia and living now in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Sam has always enjoyed spending time exploring nature and has developed a keen interest in conservation.

Before joining Safari Professionals as COO, Sam spent the last 25 years cultivating a digital marketing agency and software development house, Netwave Solutions, based in Greensboro, NC. It’s the combination of business and management experience, along with strong analytical and technical knowledge, that allowed him to provide clients with leading edge marketing and web-based solutions. Over the last 10 years, Netwave Solutions has grown steadily helping both domestic and international clients maximize ROI in all phases of marketing, including social media, search engine optimization, video marketing, and more.

Sam has already made a significant impact on Safari Professionals in just a short time, starting with the launch of our new website in March of 2020. He followed that with a comprehensive digital marketing campaign featuring SEO and social media marketing. He’s also been heavily involved in streamlining day-to-day operations through the development and implementation of Safari Logic, our custom, in-house traveler management program. His goals for 2022 are to continue to infuse much needed technology advances to further improve our operational infrastructure as well as expand and optimize marketing campaigns.

Sam Kanakanui

Chief Opportunities Officer

Joining the Safari Professionals team in 2019, Sam brings over 30 years of business acumen including knowledge in IT, marketing, and operations to the Safari Professionals family. Born in Hawaii, raised in the mountains of West Virginia and living now in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Sam has always enjoyed spending time exploring nature and has developed a keen interest in conservation.

Before joining Safari Professionals as COO, Sam spent the last 25 years cultivating a digital marketing agency and software development house, Netwave Solutions, based in Greensboro, NC. It’s the combination of business and management experience, along with strong analytical and technical knowledge, that allowed him to provide clients with leading edge marketing and web-based solutions. Over the last 10 years, Netwave Solutions has grown steadily helping both domestic and international clients maximize ROI in all phases of marketing, including social media, search engine optimization, video marketing, and more.

Sam has already made a significant impact on Safari Professionals in just a short time, starting with the launch of our new website in March of 2020. He followed that with a comprehensive digital marketing campaign featuring SEO and social media marketing. He’s also been heavily involved in streamlining day-to-day operations through the development and implementation of Safari Logic, our custom, in-house traveler management program. His goals for 2022 are to continue to infuse much needed technology advances to further improve our operational infrastructure as well as expand and optimize marketing campaigns.

James Ward

Chief Adventure Officer

Growing up in the Zoo and Aquarium field, James has been around wildlife his entire life. Since being introduced to Africa at the age of 15, he has traveled extensively throughout the continent visiting some of the most beautiful and wildest national parks in Africa. Combined with his experience in traveling in Asia and Central and South America, James is able to bring a unique perspective as he designs customized safaris for our partners.

“Once Africa is in your blood, Africa never leaves you and you never really leave Africa. It is always great seeing the look of wonder and amazement in people’s faces as they experience their first sunset in the bush. You know they are now a member of a very special fraternity. The three most special times on any safari are an African sundowner, sitting at a campfire listing to night sounds in the bush and getting up early to have a coffee around a campfire as the bush awakens and I look forward to sharing these with more people.”

James has worked with numerous conservation groups and social companies throughout Africa, introducing their products to the US market. Creating added income opportunity has a profound effect on the livelihoods of these remote communities, and positively affecting wildlife conservation. From jewelry made with reclaimed snare wire to hand stitched plush toys made in the bush to honey from bees that save elephants, he enjoys working with and getting to know people from different cultures and having a true impact on their lives.

“One of the most memorable experiences I had in Africa was with Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe. For two days, I helped Peter Blinston, Executive Director of PDC, and his team to collar painted dogs in the bush around Hwange National Park. To be directly a part of conserving these amazing animals is an experience I will never forget.”

James is a professional photographer with his favorite places to visit being South Luangwa in Zambia; Mana Pools in Zimbabwe; Amboseli in Kenya and Bwindi in Uganda. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for these wild spaces with others.

James is a trustee for the Painted Wolf Foundation.

James Ward

Chief Adventure Officer

Growing up in the Zoo and Aquarium field, James has been around wildlife his entire life. Since being introduced to Africa at the age of 15, he has traveled extensively throughout the continent visiting some of the most beautiful and wildest national parks in Africa. Combined with his experience in traveling in Asia and Central and South America, James is able to bring a unique perspective as he designs customized safaris for our partners.

“Once Africa is in your blood, Africa never leaves you and you never really leave Africa. It is always great seeing the look of wonder and amazement in people’s faces as they experience their first sunset in the bush. You know they are now a member of a very special fraternity. The three most special times on any safari are an African sundowner, sitting at a campfire listing to night sounds in the bush and getting up early to have a coffee around a campfire as the bush awakens and I look forward to sharing these with more people.”

James has worked with numerous conservation groups and social companies throughout Africa, introducing their products to the US market. Creating added income opportunity has a profound effect on the livelihoods of these remote communities, and positively affecting wildlife conservation. From jewelry made with reclaimed snare wire to hand stitched plush toys made in the bush to honey from bees that save elephants, he enjoys working with and getting to know people from different cultures and having a true impact on their lives.

“One of the most memorable experiences I had in Africa was with Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe. For two days, I helped Peter Blinston, Executive Director of PDC, and his team to collar painted dogs in the bush around Hwange National Park. To be directly a part of conserving these amazing animals is an experience I will never forget.”

James is a professional photographer with his favorite places to visit being South Luangwa in Zambia; Mana Pools in Zimbabwe; Amboseli in Kenya and Bwindi in Uganda. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for these wild spaces with others.

James is a trustee for the Painted Wolf Foundation.

Doug Rickenbach

Affinity Safari Consultant

Growing up in central Pennsylvania, thirty miles from Gettysburg with its historic battlefields and rich history sparked Doug’s love for adventure and travel, as well as his education and career. Doug spent many days walking the trails in the battlefields and listening and learning from the docents and historians. This inevitably lead to graduating from college with a degree in history and fueled his desire to travel and experience the world.

However, knowing that one must work before they can play, Doug started his career in the theme park business in college at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Doug then spent the next twenty years in sales, marketing, promotions and operations positions at several of the Six Flags and Cedar Fair theme parks. Having great mentors and colleagues in these years, Doug was able to learn all aspects of the business and embraced each opportunity.

In 2004, Doug and his wife moved to Florida when her company offered her an amazing opportunity and brought them both closer to their parents who had since moved to Florida to retire. Looking to start the next chapter in his career, Doug reached out to the Naples Zoo and spent the next seventeen years working with the team and growing it from a family-run attraction into a successful, accredited, non-profit zoo. Working at the zoo and being able to be a part of this pivotal transformation was the experience of a lifetime for Doug. Over the course of the next seventeen years, he focused on revenue generation, sales and for the last nine years Doug served as the Chief Operations Officer of the Naples Zoo. During this time, Doug was also actively involved with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and served as the Vice Chair & Chair of the Business Operations Committee for five years.

One of the greatest opportunities of working at the Zoo was being able to start building and offering African Safari trips to the zoo members and the public. Doug and the Director of Conservation hosted the trips to East Africa and Doug soon realized that conservation, wildlife and experiencing new cultures was intoxicating. On his first trip to Africa, standing at the top of Ngorongoro Crater, looking down into the canyon and seeing the vast landscape and the animals, he was hooked. Doug is also an avid photographer, and the Africa provides some of the best opportunities for amazing photographs, even for a “hack” photographer, as he likes to think of himself.

Some may say that going to Africa is a “bucket-list” trip, but for Doug it’s a passion, and he’s had the pleasure of traveling to East Africa six times. The land, the history, the incredible people, and of course the wildlife are what fuels his desire to go back and to share this passion with others. Doug and his wife have traveled all over the world together and while all of their trips have been amazing, they both hold the two trips that they did together in Africa at the top of their favorite trips. A wise person one said, “travel is the only thing you can buy that make you richer”, and it’s a philosophy that he has lived by for many years.

Doug Rickenbach

Affinity Safari Consultant

Growing up in central Pennsylvania, thirty miles from Gettysburg with its historic battlefields and rich history sparked Doug’s love for adventure and travel, as well as his education and career. Doug spent many days walking the trails in the battlefields and listening and learning from the docents and historians. This inevitably lead to graduating from college with a degree in history and fueled his desire to travel and experience the world.

However, knowing that one must work before they can play, Doug started his career in the theme park business in college at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Doug then spent the next twenty years in sales, marketing, promotions and operations positions at several of the Six Flags and Cedar Fair theme parks. Having great mentors and colleagues in these years, Doug was able to learn all aspects of the business and embraced each opportunity.

In 2004, Doug and his wife moved to Florida when her company offered her an amazing opportunity and brought them both closer to their parents who had since moved to Florida to retire. Looking to start the next chapter in his career, Doug reached out to the Naples Zoo and spent the next seventeen years working with the team and growing it from a family-run attraction into a successful, accredited, non-profit zoo. Working at the zoo and being able to be a part of this pivotal transformation was the experience of a lifetime for Doug. Over the course of the next seventeen years, he focused on revenue generation, sales and for the last nine years Doug served as the Chief Operations Officer of the Naples Zoo. During this time, Doug was also actively involved with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and served as the Vice Chair & Chair of the Business Operations Committee for five years.

One of the greatest opportunities of working at the Zoo was being able to start building and offering African Safari trips to the zoo members and the public. Doug and the Director of Conservation hosted the trips to East Africa and Doug soon realized that conservation, wildlife and experiencing new cultures was intoxicating. On his first trip to Africa, standing at the top of Ngorongoro Crater, looking down into the canyon and seeing the vast landscape and the animals, he was hooked. Doug is also an avid photographer, and the Africa provides some of the best opportunities for amazing photographs, even for a “hack” photographer, as he likes to think of himself.

Some may say that going to Africa is a “bucket-list” trip, but for Doug it’s a passion, and he’s had the pleasure of traveling to East Africa six times. The land, the history, the incredible people, and of course the wildlife are what fuels his desire to go back and to share this passion with others. Doug and his wife have traveled all over the world together and while all of their trips have been amazing, they both hold the two trips that they did together in Africa at the top of their favorite trips. A wise person one said, “travel is the only thing you can buy that make you richer”, and it’s a philosophy that he has lived by for many years.

Jennifer McDonald

Private Safari Consultant

Jen joined Safari Professionals in June 2024, bringing with her over 20 years of expertise in guest experience and a desire to connect people to the wild places and diverse cultures of the world through distinctive and memorable travel experiences.
Her love of nature and wildlife began as a child exploring the woods behind her home in Western Pennsylvania. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a bachelor’s degree in literary and cultural studies and a master’s degree in arts management, Jen went on to work for a wide variety of attractions and cultural institutions from Walt Disney World to the Smithsonian, but she got the most enjoyment and fulfillment from working at zoos.

Jen’s first zoo roles were at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as an interpreter for the Maharaja Jungle Trek and an educator for Disney’s Youth Education Series, teaching school groups about animal adaptations, conservation, and careers in the zoological field. Later, as the first Associate Director of Guest Relations for the Wildlife Conservation Society, she streamlined guest communication and service recovery for the society’s five parks, created an assistance program for guests with disabilities at the Bronx Zoo, and developed and marketed an educational sea lion interactive program with the behavioral husbandry department at the New York Aquarium. She also served as the Guest Services Manager at the Palm Beach Zoo during the opening of its Lorikeet Loft and reimagined zoo entrance.

Jen is an avid outdoor runner who resides in Central Florida with her husband and their two cats.

Jennifer McDonald

Private Safari Consultant

Jen joined Safari Professionals in June 2024, bringing with her over 20 years of expertise in guest experience and a desire to connect people to the wild places and diverse cultures of the world through distinctive and memorable travel experiences.
Her love of nature and wildlife began as a child exploring the woods behind her home in Western Pennsylvania. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a bachelor’s degree in literary and cultural studies and a master’s degree in arts management, Jen went on to work for a wide variety of attractions and cultural institutions from Walt Disney World to the Smithsonian, but she got the most enjoyment and fulfillment from working at zoos.

Jen’s first zoo roles were at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as an interpreter for the Maharaja Jungle Trek and an educator for Disney’s Youth Education Series, teaching school groups about animal adaptations, conservation, and careers in the zoological field. Later, as the first Associate Director of Guest Relations for the Wildlife Conservation Society, she streamlined guest communication and service recovery for the society’s five parks, created an assistance program for guests with disabilities at the Bronx Zoo, and developed and marketed an educational sea lion interactive program with the behavioral husbandry department at the New York Aquarium. She also served as the Guest Services Manager at the Palm Beach Zoo during the opening of its Lorikeet Loft and reimagined zoo entrance.

Jen is an avid outdoor runner who resides in Central Florida with her husband and their two cats.

Jordan Schepisi

Operations Specialist

Jordan joined the Safari Professionals team in the Summer of 2024 after obtaining a degree in Environmental and Sustainability from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, concentrating on development, equity, and equality. With a profound love for animals and a commitment to conservation, she strives to create a harmonious balance between nature and communities. Jordan believes inspiring others to join the fight for a greener, more sustainable future for all living beings is vital, and educating people by immersing them in the natural beauty of the world is one of the best ways to do so.

Jordan Schepisi

Operations Specialist

Jordan joined the Safari Professionals team in the Summer of 2024 after obtaining a degree in Environmental and Sustainability from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, concentrating on development, equity, and equality. With a profound love for animals and a commitment to conservation, she strives to create a harmonious balance between nature and communities. Jordan believes inspiring others to join the fight for a greener, more sustainable future for all living beings is vital, and educating people by immersing them in the natural beauty of the world is one of the best ways to do so.

Steve Olson

Conservation Safari Consultant

Steve’s 23 years as AZA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs has given him unique opportunities to help AZA member institutions expand their effectiveness in zoo and aquarium-based wildlife conservation efforts throughout the world. His personal commitment to national and international endangered species protection is evidenced by his work at AZA, his prior role as the Program Manager for the development and operations of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and his active role in coral and sea turtle rescue, oiled wildlife response, and taxon/species-specific conservation work for polar bears, black-footed ferrets, American red wolves, penguins, whooping cranes, bald and golden eagles, cheetahs, giant pandas, rhinos, tigers, African and Asian elephants and sharks/rays.

Having worked closely with zoos and aquariums throughout the world, as well as with some of the largest and most influential wildlife conservation organizations, Steve is uniquely qualified to help AZA institutions develop and expand their travel programs in support of each zoo and aquarium’s conservation goals.

Steve received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in wildlife management and policy from Colorado State University. He has travelled throughout the world but the highlight of his travels was a recent trip with Laura and Tom LaRock of Safari Professionals to Kenya. Truly an incredible and life changing experience.

Steve Olson

Conservation Safari Consultant

Steve’s 23 years as AZA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs has given him unique opportunities to help AZA member institutions expand their effectiveness in zoo and aquarium-based wildlife conservation efforts throughout the world. His personal commitment to national and international endangered species protection is evidenced by his work at AZA, his prior role as the Program Manager for the development and operations of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and his active role in coral and sea turtle rescue, oiled wildlife response, and taxon/species-specific conservation work for polar bears, black-footed ferrets, American red wolves, penguins, whooping cranes, bald and golden eagles, cheetahs, giant pandas, rhinos, tigers, African and Asian elephants and sharks/rays.

Having worked closely with zoos and aquariums throughout the world, as well as with some of the largest and most influential wildlife conservation organizations, Steve is uniquely qualified to help AZA institutions develop and expand their travel programs in support of each zoo and aquarium’s conservation goals.

Steve received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in wildlife management and policy from Colorado State University. He has travelled throughout the world but the highlight of his travels was a recent trip with Laura and Tom LaRock of Safari Professionals to Kenya. Truly an incredible and life changing experience.

Laura Olson

Private Safaris Consultant

Laura’s extensive travel experience includes her 14 years as Meeting and Travel Manager for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a professional, scientific and credentialing association with over 228,000 members and affiliates.

After living for a year as an exchange student in Chile, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from East Carolina University. Laura has enjoyed traveling to other countries in Europe and Central/South America and has a passion for other cultures and nature. Having traveled with her husband, Steve and Safari Professionals’ CEO Tom LaRock on safari in Kenya, Laura joins Safari Professionals as Private Safari Consultant and will assist our AZA partners in developing their private safari programs as well as other private safari initiatives.

Laura Olson

Private Safaris Consultant

Laura’s extensive travel experience includes her 14 years as Meeting and Travel Manager for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a professional, scientific and credentialing association with over 228,000 members and affiliates.

After living for a year as an exchange student in Chile, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from East Carolina University. Laura has enjoyed traveling to other countries in Europe and Central/South America and has a passion for other cultures and nature. Having traveled with her husband, Steve and Safari Professionals’ CEO Tom LaRock on safari in Kenya, Laura joins Safari Professionals as Private Safari Consultant and will assist our AZA partners in developing their private safari programs as well as other private safari initiatives.

Leann Stanley

Accounting Manager

Leann is a North Carolina native, growing up in the area surrounding Pilot Mountain. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Education. After realizing her passion was more in an administrative capacity, she began her career in office administration.

After joining the Safari professionals’ team in 2020, Leann brings over 25 years of experience in office management, marketing, and finance to her current role. Though most of her work is spent behind the scenes her love for nature and awareness of conversation is at the forefront of her mind.

When she’s not in the office, Leann spends most of her free time with her husband, Brandon and her cat Raina. On most afternoons, you can find Leann repurposing materials for creating journals, reading a good book or hanging out with her friends.

Leann Stanley

Accounting Manager

Leann is a North Carolina native, growing up in the area surrounding Pilot Mountain. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Education. After realizing her passion was more in an administrative capacity, she began her career in office administration.

After joining the Safari professionals’ team in 2020, Leann brings over 25 years of experience in office management, marketing, and finance to her current role. Though most of her work is spent behind the scenes her love for nature and awareness of conversation is at the forefront of her mind.

When she’s not in the office, Leann spends most of her free time with her husband, Brandon and her cat Raina. On most afternoons, you can find Leann repurposing materials for creating journals, reading a good book or hanging out with her friends.