Michael Bautsch
Founder/CEO
Michael Bautsch, CEO and Founder of The Georgia Aviary, merges a lifelong passion for parrot welfare with over 30 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Avian Specialist, Michael's commitment to the care and conservation of birds has deepened, evident in his hands-on approach and ongoing educational pursuits. Leading an IT company specializing in Apple devices honed his skills in project management and customer relations, enabling him to ensure The Georgia Aviary operates smoothly while engaging effectively with its community. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael and his wife have dedicated over a decade to providing rescue parrots with a loving and nurturing environment. This personal mission led to the creation of The Georgia Aviary, aiming to offer sanctuary to parrots in need and educate the public on their care. Michael's passion for avian welfare has also inspired him to author publications in the field, including a children's book, Baby the Brave Cockatoo and Of Crests and Curiosities: The Fascinating Life of Cockatoos, sharing his knowledge and love for these vibrant creatures. Currently, he is working on A Symphony of Colors: Exploring the Life of Macaws, further contributing to avian literature. At 54, Michael continues to lead by example, advocating for parrot rescue and rehabilitation. His career, enriched by aligning personal passions with professional endeavors, stands as a testament to the impact one can make in the avian conservation community.
Tullan Avard
Board Treasurer/COO
Tullan Avard has demonstrated leadership through her professional endeavors, community involvement and social responsibility, and serves on numerous Advisory Boards and Task Forces. She currently is Executive Director of the Bells Ferry Civic Association, a nonprofit that represents over 10,000 area residents and protects their quality of life by lobbying, negotiating and working closely with local legislators, law enforcement officials and neighborhood associations. Tullan has been a huge supporter of parrot welfare and has owned and worked with Cockatoos since she was 15 years old. She previously served for several years as a Board Member for one of only two nonprofit Parrot Rescues in the state of GA, as Director of Philanthropy. Her responsibilities included Grant Writing, Donor Solicitation, Social Media Marketing and Fundraising. She also volunteered at the Rescue on a weekly basis to learn how to properly take care of and work with numerous types of parrots.
Maryanne Bautsch
Board Secretary
Maryanne F. Bautsch, a born-and-bred New Orleanian and current Georgia resident since 1991, is a multifaceted professional with a rich background. As a proud Disabled Veteran, she received her training in Graphic Design from the Army and further pursued her interest in media, obtaining a degree in Television Production. Her dedication to service and leadership is evident in her current role as The Adjutant of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 6, where she contributes her skills and experience to support fellow veterans. Parallel to her professional pursuits, Maryanne nurtures a lifelong passion for parrots, a cause she's committed to with fervor for many years, alongside her husband. The couple's dedication has materialized in their rescue work, providing sanctuary to these majestic birds. Today, she brings this passion to The Georgia Aviary's Board of Directors. As a Board Member, she works tirelessly to ensure the nonprofit's Mission is met, using her diverse skillset to contribute positively to the Aviary's objectives. In addition to her professional accomplishments and altruistic endeavors, Maryanne is the proud mother of three adult children. Her multifaceted background, unique skill set, and personal passion for avian welfare make her an invaluable asset to The Georgia Aviary Board.
Guy Scull
Chairman of the Board
Guy Scull has a background in not only the nonprofit sector, but in the government and private business sectors as well. He has served in various capacities for a Georgia Congressman in Washington, D.C., and in the state of Georgia. Post government work included working as a commercial real estate broker and beginning two successful small businesses. In 2004, Mr. Scull began to consider the nonprofit arena as a more fulfilling way to give back the blessings in life he had received.
After being a part of, and helping launch, several nonprofit organizations, Mr. Scull was asked to develop a new nonprofit to provide medical, wellness and behavioral services to the medically underserved residents of Paulding County, Georgia. He has served as President and Chair and is currently on their Board Advisory Committee.
In addition to this health care clinic, he is working with Helping Hands of Paulding to construct their new food pantry and clothing access facility with a “one-stop” resource center. This center will serve as a safety net solution by providing resources and referrals to community and government services while promoting life skills development and life-long wellness at a centralized location.
Mr. Scull is also currently Co-Chair of the Paulding Family Connection, a collaborative identifying the critical issues for children and families that need to be addressed
closer to home, Mr. Scull is President, and Board Chair, of The Voila Foundation. This Foundation serves as a compassionate community resource collaborating with nonprofit, and for profit, organizations in raising funds for trustworthy charitable causes within the Metro Atlanta community.
Dr. Theresa Boyden-Vance
Board Member
My name is Doctor Theresa Boyden-Vance, PsyD and Author of “WHOA-Sister-PAUSE: A Woman’s Guide to Transform Your Thinking Using the Fruits of the Spirits.” A wife of 37 years, mother of two, grandmother of six and daughter of the most high God. I am a member of Wayman A.M.E. Church in Racine, WI and on occasion attend Mount Paran Church, Pastor David Cooper, Atlanta.
I am the Director of Grateful Hearts Ministry a non-profit that share God’s love and faithfulness with women in their transition through the court system to recovery, restoration of families and productive living in the community.
I am counselor, therapist, mentor, life coach, author, speaker, facilitator, sister, friend, and a servant to those that need to be lifted. I am a member of the Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society, Psychology Students Network, Black Leaders Worldwide, Mental Health Change Agents-Advocates-Motivational Speakers-Clinicians, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership, Women in Public Health, HR Circle, African American Leadership Program. UAGC Students & Alumni, UAGC Psych Club, Nonprofit Network International, Forbes School of Business and Technology Project Management Club, American Psychology Association. Inside Pastor Care & Counseling and the Golden Key International Honors Society.
I have an AA in Organizational Business Management, BA, Health & Human Services, MA, in Human Services, MA, in Psychology and Doctorate in Psychology.
I am a worshipper, an excellent cook, lover of all music, an excellent dancer, and love hanging out with my husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.
My mission is to spread the love of Jesus, bring hope to the hopeless, and to leave an impact on those that I serve to hear them say; when I was hungry, she fed me, when I needed a word, called me or texted me, and when I needed hope, she lifted me up from the marry clay.
Dr. Stephen Divers
Board Member
Born in England, Stephen Divers graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1994. He obtained the Diploma in zoological medicine from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), is an RCVS recognized Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine, a Diplomate of both the American and European Colleges of Zoological Medicine, a European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (zoo health management), and an International Fullbright Specialist in zoological medicine. He obtained his RCVS fellowship (PhD) for his work on exotic animal endoscopy and endosurgery. He is a past-president of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, scientific editor of the Journal of Herpetological Medicine & Surgery and an associate editor for the Journal of Zoo & Wildlife Medicine. He has served on the ABVP subspecialties in small mammal and reptile/amphibian specialties, helped create the new zoological companion animal (exotic pet) examination through the ACZM, and the new European College of Zoological Medicine, herpetology and zoo health management subspecialties.
Allison Hedgecoth
Board Member
Allison is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to pursue excellence in animal care and promote awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. She spent her formative years watching, studying and eventually working with animals– first with backyard wildlife and her menagerie of misfit rescued pets, then training service dogs and working for veterinary hospitals, and ending up as the Animal Care Manager of a large Exotic Animal Sanctuary and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
During her decade as Animal Care Manager, Allison was responsible for the care, management and training of hundreds of rescued animals including big cats, primates, reptiles and parrots. She gained invaluable experience in enclosure design and construction, emergency chemical immobilization and veterinary care, and promoting animal welfare through positive reinforcement training methods. As an unwavering advocate for animal welfare, Allison shares her knowledge and experience with animal rescue and zoological facilities through her consulting work and by serving as a board member for several organizations.
Allison embodies a deep commitment to advancing her knowledge and professional skills through continuing education by attending conferences, workshops and courses on various topics in the professional animal field. To date, her most impactful learning opportunities have been the Professional Animal Training Workshop by Natural Encounters, Inc., the Master Herpetology Course by The Amphibian Foundation and the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance annual conferences. She is a member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IIATE), Animal Behavioral Management Alliance (ABMA), International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC), American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and The National Audubon Society.
Stacey Sakal
Board Member
Stacey is currently in service as the Director of Regional Expansion for the 20+ year old, Atlanta-based nonprofit, Kate's Club, a community for children and teens, their families, and young adults who experienced the death of someone close to them. She is taking the successful Kate’s Club model to other regions of Georgia to serve the needs of the grieving in those areas.
Prior to joining the Kate’s Club team, Stacey founded and is the former Executive Director of Bert's Big Adventure, an over 20 year old nonprofit that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their entire families on a 5-day trip to Disney each year. She built the organization from the ground up beginning in 2002 and retired in 2017.
And last but certainly not least, her most important job of all, raising her sons into amazing young men.
Bob Surrusco
Board Member
The Readiness Professionals’ curriculum offering is the most diverse and flexible available today. The curriculum offers courses from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, The Emergency Care and Safety Institute, The National Safety Council, The National Rifle Association, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and our own proprietary courses. Bob is on the Board of Directors for the Gilmer Family Connection and Bethesda Community Clinic North where he also coordinates volunteers for the Gilmer County monthly primary care free clinic. Bob’s nonprofit experience includes 18 years with the Safe America Foundation as the Vice President of Safety and Readiness Training responsible for national distribution of safety products, implementation of curriculum and development, management of training programs, and community liaison for law enforcement. Bob has over twenty years of corporate executive management experience and extensive experience in the Hospitality Industry. Twelve of those years were spent in multi-unit management. After 32 years in uniform, Bob retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the Georgia State Defense Force. He was the Director of their Medical Center of Excellence in TRADOC and continues as advisor to the current Director.