Greg Para holds an AAS in Electrical Technology and a BAS in Liberal Arts with a major in business. He is a Certified Avian Specialist (CAS) through the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and holds an AFA Certified Aviculturist, Level II certification through The American Federation of Aviculture, Inc.

Prior to founding Sarasota Parrot Conservatory Inc. in 2013 and during its early years he volunteered with Save Our Seabirds, Birds of Paradise, and Big Cat Habitat. He spent time caring for their parrots and educating the public regarding what it takes to care for a parrot. In 2017 he focused on building Sarasota Parrot Conservatory in which he now runs full time.
Prior to getting involved in the rescue of parrots Greg held several senior management positions over a 17-year career with Fortune 500 companies managing multi-million-dollar organizations and became an expert in turning poor performing organizations around to profitability. He believes his years of experience in Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Management and Customer Service has put him into the perfect position to use his skills coupled with his passion to develop an organization that will carry on caring for the rescued parrots long after he is gone.

He retired from the military after a 17-year career and is a disabled veteran from injuries received in Afghanistan. He used his work with parrots to create an Avian Therapy program that partners combat veterans suffering from PTSD with parrots who have been traumatized; helping both human and parrot to heal.

He authored the Avian Therapy chapter in the recently published book titled “Animal Assisted Therapy use Application by Condition” and has been featured on Animal Planet’s Collar of Duty season two series for his work with avian therapy.